Lorenzo discharged after wrist surgery, targets Sepang MotoGP return

The triple MotoGP world champion targets a comeback in next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Lorenzo has skipped the past two MotoGP races in Thailand and Japan after he fractured his left wrist in a heavy shunt during practice at Buriram.

He travelled to Motegi but pulled out of the Japanese GP weekend after completing just two laps in the opening practice session, and he will also sit out this weekend's Phillip Island race.

Lorenzo travelled from Japan to Barcelona and was then operated on by regular MotoGP surgeon Dr Xavier Mir at the Dexeus Clinic to repair the damaged ligament in his wrist.

He was discharged from hospital on Wednesday and returned to his home in Lugano to recuperate, with the aim of being able to race again at Sepang on November 4.

But if there is no clear improvement in his condition in the next five or six days, it is understood that Lorenzo's focus would subsequently turn towards being fit for the season finale at Valencia two weeks later.

Alvaro Bautista will step in to ride for the Ducati factory team at Phillip Island, with Australian racer Mike Jones filling the resulting vacancy at the Angel Nieto squad.