Honda MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa could be forced out by arm problem

The Honda rider announced after struggling to fifth in the 2015 season-opening Qatar Grand Prix that he had suffered severe discomfort in his right forearm.

He said the problem had occurred consistently through 2014 as well, even after an operation to attempt to cure the arm-pump condition following last year's Spanish GP.

"Tonight's race didn't go to plan and unfortunately, I had serious problems with my right forearm which isn't good news for me," he said.

"I worked very hard over the winter in order to find a solution, because I was suffering in every race last season."

Pedrosa said he had been advised not to have any further surgery, so was now at a loss to know what to do that could allow him to continue racing.

"Every doctor recommended that I not undergo another operation and I have tried to look for alternatives, but by the looks of things nothing is working positively for it," he said.

"Now I have to assess my options and see what I can do.

"It is probably the most difficult moment of my career.

"I will do my best to find a solution but in this moment it is difficult to imagine what it could be."

The 29-year-old has been a factory Honda MotoGP rider since 2006, winning 26 grands prix and finishing runner-up in the world championship three times.

His last race win came in the Czech GP last August.