After an excellent fourth place in his home grand prix at Silverstone ten days ago, Cal Crutchlow was hoping that the San Marino GP would be a happy homecoming for his LCR Honda squad, however team plans were dealt a blow after he cut himself with a knife last week and was forced to have surgery.

Sporting a cast on his left index finger at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli today, the British rider admitted he will have to ride through the pain barrier at the fiddly track, and is unsure of how many issues he may or may not have with it over the race weekend.

Crutchlow will get his first chance to test with the factory RC213V on Friday morning, with Sunday’s race a gruelling 28-lap affair and decidedly unpredictable weather on the horizon.

#35 Cal Crutchlow

“I cut myself preparing dinner, and the tendon was severed, so I had an operation to reattach it. Monday was a bad day, but I managed to ride with it at our Castrol event in Barcelona on Tuesday. It’s difficult for sure, but I think it’s possible to ride with. We will see tomorrow and on race day.

“It’s obviously disappointing after a good weekend in Silverstone for the LCR team and Honda. I felt good and was hoping to come here after a good test a couple of weeks ago and be strong. Maybe it will cause me no problems, maybe I won’t be able to ride well. We’ll just have to see how we go.”