Pedrosa gutted by injury revelation

The Spaniard led the race early on before fading to third as he began to suffer discomfort in his left arm.

The 25-year-old underwent a 3D CAT scan upon his return from Doha which revealed that while there was no vascular or nerve damage, there was a small stretch in the plexus that requires time to heal fully.

Pedrosa, whose HRC Honda team-mate Casey Stoner won the race, admitted that he was disappointed to have begun yet another season not at full fitness - having previously thought he was beginning the year on equal terms to his rivals healthwise.

"I honestly didn't expect my arm would react in this way because during pre-season I didn't feel too much trouble and I thought the problem was solved," he said. "However, I felt really bad in the Qatar race and was aware that the injury is not completely healed.

"It was a shame because in Qatar I had a good feeling and until the second half of the race - which is when the pain started - I was really strong and I saw a realistic chance of winning.

"I would be lying if I said I'm not disappointed because this year the bike is working very well and physically I feel good, but unfortunately this complication has arisen and I have nothing else to do but give my best until the injury heals completely."