"I'm actually happy that I tried to ride at Malaysia, because it helped me to discover that the problem with the shoulder was bigger than we thought."
NICKY HAYDEN will undergo surgery today (Monday) to repair the damage to his shoulder that hampered him in the first pre-season test of 2012 at Sepang last week.
The 2006 MotoGP champion fractured his left shoulder in a training crash shortly after Christmas, but opted to skip surgery to be able to take part in the first test session of 2012.
At the three day test Hayden struggled with the pain in his shoulder and was unable to take part in the final day on Thursday. He ended the test with a fastest lap of a 2:01.729, which was 2.122 seconds behind Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner.
Following the test Hayden was examined by Dr Arthur Ting in Fremont, California, revealing that the American had sustained more extensive damage to his shoulder cartilage and back muscles that previously thought.
"Of course another operation before the season is never a good thing." said Hayden, "But I'm actually happy that I tried to ride at Malaysia, because it helped me to discover that the problem with the shoulder was bigger than we thought.
"After seeing the scans, it was clear why I couldn't ride well. Setbacks are a part of life and a part of MotoGP, so we'll deal with it and do everything possible to get back on the bike in good condition as soon as possible. Ducati and the team are putting maximum effort into this championship, and that helps me to keep my spirits high and to be confident heading into the season."
The next MotoGP takes place at Sepang for another three days starting February 28th.
