Belgian Clement Desalle will be the sole Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team representative during the first two GPs as team-mate Jordi Tixier underwent wrist surgery this week.
Tixier, MX2 world champion in 2014, switched to the MXGP class this winter due to the age regulation in the MX2 class. The 23-year-old Frenchman, whose 2015 campaign as a member of the Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team was brought to an end after a crash during the Grand Prix of Lombardy, had signed a two year deal with Kawasaki early last year to enter this new and exciting challenge.
Recovering from the wrist injury sustained in Mantova, Jordi was able to enter the traditional testing session with his new team in November and immediately had a good feeling with the factory KX450F-SR Kawasaki.
Working hard on his physical condition through the winter, Jordi still had some pain in his right wrist and further examination has revealed damage to a ligament and forced him to have further surgery in Paris by Professor Mathoulin, one of the most famous hand specialists. The surgery was successful but Jordi now needs time to recover before getting back to racing. “Of course it’s a big disappointment to miss the opening rounds of the MXGP world championship, but there was no other solution as the most recent examination revealed that my wrist had still some damage after the surgery of last summer, said” Tixier. “Professor Mathoulin didn’t want me to race with infiltration as it could have dramatic consequences so I had no real choice.
“Fortunately he didn’t have to put in any screws or a spindle in my wrist, he just repaired the ligament and worked on some bones; I’ve a light plaster for one week, then I will visit him again for a check up and I will follow his advice.
“It’s just a shame that it came so late; I had some pain when riding the bike but all the doctors told me that it was just normal after such an injury. I want to thank the team and all our sponsors, as nobody put pressure on me, and I can’t wait to be back racing as the bike is fantastic and the team so professional. It’s a tough period for me, but I will be back stronger.” KRT team manager, François Lemariey commented: “Of course it was a tough decision for Jordi as the season starts now, but the team doesn’t want any rider to compete while they are injured.
“Jordi and ourselves are both very disappointed, but we know this sport, as do our sponsors who understand the situation. We saw during the testing session how strong Jordi’s potential on the 450 can be, and we want him to make his debut in this new class fully prepared and physically ready.
“Going for a surgery was a joint decision; of course we wish him a prompt recovery and we’re convinced that he will come back stronger.”
