Toprak Razgatlioglu has returned to Europe, undergone shoulder surgery and already begun training. The three-time WorldSBK champion was forced to bring his rookie MotoGP season to an early close, but he says he is working towards getting back on a motorcycle as soon as possible.

The injury came in a highside during practice for the Indonesian MotoGP in early October. At Turn 13 of Mandalika, Razgatlioglu lost the front and ran onto the dirty section of track before crashing. He still took part in qualifying, then withdrew from the race because of the shoulder injury and decided that his season would end early.

In an Instagram post, Razgatlioglu described the period as difficult because it was the first time in his racing career that he had needed to finish a season prematurely. He said the operation was intended to help him return stronger, that he had already resumed training and that he hoped to be back on the motorcycle soon. He also thanked Yamaha, his team, doctor Minola and everyone who had supported him.

Augusto Fernandez was named as his replacement for the Australian Grand Prix, although that race ultimately did not take place. The Spaniard will remain with Pramac Yamaha until the end of the season while Razgatlioglu recovers. Fernandez described the move from the 850cc motorcycle he had been testing to the 1,000cc machine intended for the race as a change almost comparable to switching manufacturers.