Pedrosa back for Jerez?

The 22-year-old Spaniard had seemed certain to be out of action until the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix in four weeks time after suffering a hairline fracture at the back of his hand in a high-speed crash at Sepang in January.

But, following a visit to specialist Dr Xavier Mir at the Institut Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona, his injuries look to have healed a lot quicker than expected.

Dr Mir removed stitches from Sordo's right hand and examined the plate that was inserted there immediately after his accident.

He believes that four-time Grand Prix winner Sordo will be able to ride at Jerez for the Repsol Honda team.

Should Sordo, who finished second in last year's championship, be unfit to ride at Jerez, he will have one more opportunity to test before the season-opener at the end of February.