Colin Edwards - Photo Credit: Tech 3
Colin Edwards will not be fit to race in next weekend's MotoGP season finale in Valencia due to the injuries sustained in the tragic accident which claimed Marco Simoncelli's life in Malaysia.
The American, along with Valentino Rossi, was unable to avoid the Gresini rider who'd crashed himself at turn 11 and travelled to the University General Hospital in Houston, Texas for surgery on a left arm injury.
After assessment from orthopaedic specialist Dr Henry Small, Edwards was diagnosed with multiple small fractures to the top of his left humerus bone as well as severe bruising and swelling to both wrists and his right heel. The 37 year old has also damaged the cartilage around the tip of the humerus bone which will necessitate surgery next Tuesday.
The estimated recovery time is four weeks, ruling Edwards out of what would've been his final race for Monster Yamaha Tech 3 before joining CRT newcomers NGM Forward Racing next season.
In what has been an emotional week for motorsport, Edwards spoke of his gratitude for the support he has received since the accident on Sunday.
“Firstly, I want to thank everybody for all their messages of support since Sunday. The support and love has been overwhelming and it has been a great comfort to me at this difficult time. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Marco and I will miss him a lot, as will the entire MotoGP family. I watched Marco’s funeral yesterday and I really wish I could have been there. I wanted to go but unfortunately my injuries meant I was unable to travel. I know Valentino spoke to Marco’s family on my behalf and I thank him for that. It was a great service and a fitting celebration of his life.”
Edwards was also desperate to take part in the final race of the season as the entire Grand Prix paddock prepares to pay tribute to Simoncelli but the American has explained that the injuries are too severe.
“I also wanted to be in Valencia next week to give my support to MotoGP, but it is not going to be possible because of the surgery I need on my left arm. The top of my left humerus bone has got multiple small fractures but the cartilage that is around the top of the bone has been pulled off. The surgery will anchor the cartilage back to the bone but there is no nerve damage, so I should be 100 per cent in about four weeks.”
The team hasn’t confirmed a replacement yet although they are currently considering the options in front of them and will make an announcement in due course.
