Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC’s Niccolò Canepa has undergone successful surgery following a crash in Valencia.

The Austrian-based team has been busy testing Almeria and Valencia as preparations continue for the upcoming FIM Endurance World Championship season; however, a crash at turn ten for experienced Italian Niccolò Canepa put an end to his pre-season preparations.

After an initial assessment in Valencia, Canepa was transferred to Barcelona. He underwent a two-hour surgical procedure where surgeons stabilised the fractures with two plates, which took place on Wednesday evening.

Team-mates Marvin Fritz and Karel Hanika completed the test in Valencia, whilst Canepa underwent surgery in Barcelona.

Niccoló Canepa – Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team

“We were out in Spain doing a block of testing ahead of the new season. On Tuesday morning in Valencia, I was maybe pushing a little too much on a track that was still a bit dirty, and I had a huge highside on the entry to Turn 10, probably the biggest I’ve ever had. The airbag in my leathers worked perfectly, but I took a big impact on my left ankle and sustained three fractures. After an initial examination in Valencia, I travelled up to the Hospital Universitario Dexeus in Barcelona, where doctors inserted two plates to stabilise the fractures in an operation last night. The fractures were not so easy to plate but the doctors were very happy with the result and are confident that I’ll make a full recovery. Once the pain goes away in the next week or so then I’ll be able to start the rehabilitation process with some physiotherapy. I’m confident I’ll be fully fit for the first race of the 2021 season at Le Mans in April and I can’t wait to be back on the bike.”

The initial reports suggest that Canepa will be fully fit for the season opener in Le Mans for the 24 Heures Motos event on 17/18 April.

April 17-18 – 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans
May 23 – 8 Hours of Oschersleben, Germany
July 18 – Suzuka 8 Hours, Japan
September 18-19 – Bol D’or, France
October 16 – 12H of Estoril, Portugal

Featured image: Yamaha-Racing