Pedrosa tries further arm surgery, Aoyama stands in at Honda

The Spaniard revealed the return of pump issues that were causing significant pain after finishing sixth in the season opener in Qatar last Sunday, but said that doctors had advised against another operation following surgery last May.

However, after Pedrosa met specialists in Madrid and Barcelona in recent days, Honda has now confirmed he will go under the knife again on Friday morning in Madrid.

With a recovery period of four to six weeks, Pedrosa will definitely miss the next two races at Austin and Termas de Rio Hondo.

A timeframe for the 29-year-old's return beyond that has not been set, with HRC test rider Hiroshi Aoyama his replacement.

"Obviously this isn't the news I wanted to be sharing with everyone," Pedrosa said.

"However, after speaking with some key doctors and medical professionals that I trust, they are all in agreement that this is the only option for me.

"We will have the surgery on Friday and they will use a special technique to help close the wound to try and prevent this issue continuing to affect me.

"Let's hope it's a success."

Aoyama, the 2009 250cc world champion, raced in MotoGP in 2010-11 and 2013-14, but switched to the test role after losing his Aspar seat to Eugene Laverty this season.