Nicky Hayden will miss final test of 2006 at Jerez

Toni Elias returns to action in January

Nicky Hayden will return to action in January. © Honda Pro Image. The 2006 MotoGP World Champion will miss next week final test of the year at Jerez circuit. Nicky Hayden decided to go under surgery at the States to remove a metal plate in his shoulder. The injured shoulder condition was aggraveted by the crash that the Kentucky Kid suffered in Estoril alongside his team-mate Dani Pedrosa.

Hayden kept the injury under wraps ahead of the Valencia Grand Prix so as not to lose any psychological advantage in the title race. After undertaking two post-season tests, Hayden now returns to the US to have the injury assessed. No date has yet been set for possible surgery, which may entail the removal of a metal plate previously inserted in his shoulder.

Spaniard rider Toni Elias will also miss the final test at Jerez. After his first RC212V ride at Sepang, Fausto Gresini Honda rider decided to take a rest and return next January.