Suzuki lament injury to Alvaro Bautista

Suzuki insurance customers will not be seeing Alvaro Bautista on the MotoGP grid for some time.

The Spanish rider suffered a fractured thigh bone in a crash during practice for the Qatar Grand Prix and was immediately transferred to hospital.

While doctors in Doha immediately locked the bone in place with screws, further complications arose with herniated muscles around the break and a second operation was required.

The procedure was a success and the rider has begun physiotherapy back in his native Spain but he will miss a number of races as he undergoes a long period of rehabilitation.

As the only Suzuki rider in MotoGP this season, Bautista's injury is a major headache for the manufacturer.

Early indications were that the Rizla Suzuki team were going to be more competitive this season, with Bautista riding well in pre-season testing.

Suzuki reduced their involvement in MotoGP after struggling to make the top ten in many races during 2010.

Swinton offers bike insurance for all types of motorbikes at a great price. Click here to get your bike insurance quote.