MotoGP: Crutchlow forced to miss Argentina

Ducati MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow will miss this weekend's race in Argentina after it emerged that the injuries he sustained at Austin were worse than originally thought.

The Briton was diagnosed with a dislocated little finger after crashing during the Grand Prix of the Americas, but further medical checks revealed that the finger was also fractured, requiring surgery.

Crutchlow had been expected to be fit to ride in Argentina, but the pain in his hand means he cannot use the front brake properly so he will be replaced by Ducati test rider Michele Pirro.

"I'm very sad to let the team down like this because I was really looking forward to racing in Argentina," said Crutchlow. "Unfortunately, I'm still feeling too much pain in my right hand, my knuckles are the most painful part and I'm not in condition to race this weekend. Now I'm going back to the UK to continue treatment and try and get ready for the race at Jerez [on May 4]."

Crutchlow underwent surgery on his hand to have a stabilizing pin inserted into his finger.