Colin Edwards gives injury update, will miss Valencia

Colin Edwards is recovering from injuries sustained in the tragic accident that claimed the life of popular Italian star Marco Simoncelli in Sepang last weekend.

However the 37-year-old though will not be fit to ride in next weekend's Valencia MotoGP season finale - which would also have been his last appearance for Tech 3 Yamaha - as he requires surgery on a left arm injury that resulted from the tragic three-rider incident on the second lap of the Malaysian MotoGP.

"Firstly, I want to thank everybody for all their messages of support since Sunday," said Edwards. "The support and love has been overwhelming and it has been a great comfort to me at this difficult time. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Marco and I will miss him a lot, as will the entire MotoGP family.

"I watched Marco's funeral yesterday and I really wish I could have been there. I wanted to go but unfortunately my injuries meant I was unable to travel. I know Valentino spoke to Marco's family on my behalf and I thank him for that. It was a great service and a fitting celebration of his life.

"I also wanted to be in Valencia next week to give my support to MotoGP, but it is not going to be possible because of the surgery I need on my left arm.

"The top of my left humerus bone has got multiple small fractures but the cartilage that is around the top of the bone has been pulled off. The surgery will anchor the cartilage back to the bone but there is no nerve damage, so I should be 100 per cent in about four weeks."

Tech 3 is currently considering a replacement rider for Valencia.

Edwards, who also dislocated his shoulder in the Sepang fall, is to ride a Suter-BMW for the Forward Racing team in 2012.