Honda Racing's Nathan Harrison set for minor ankle surgery following crash during testing in Spain

The Honda Racing rider sprained his left ankle in the incident, which he previously had reconstructive surgery on as a result of past injuries.

However, it is expected that the operation will not impact Harrison’s plans to race at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

The 25-year-old missed the major road races in 2023 after breaking his wrist and collarbone in a crash at the North West.

A statement on Thursday evening from Honda Racing said: “During private preseason testing at the Circuit de Andalucia, Honda Racing UK rider Nathan Harrison was involved in an incident whereby he crashed his motorcycle, resulting in a sprained left ankle. The ankle that, due to previous injuries, he has had reconstructive operations conducted on previously.

“A precautionary check was undertaken on his return to the UK to confirm the diagnosis. On medical inspection, it was decided that he will undergo a small operation to release the swelling and increase the speed at which he can recover.

“It is expected that Nathan will make a full recovery and this will likely have no impact on his upcoming season.”

Harrison was in action at the three-day test with new Honda signing Dean Harrison and concentrated on riding his Superstock machine.

Fellow Honda roads rider John McGuinness was absent from the test as he represented Honda Motor Europe at the press launch of the Honda Fireblade and CBR600RR in Portimao in Portugal.

John McGuinness, was absent as he was representing Honda Motor Europe with the press launch of the Honda Fireblade and CBR600RR in Portimao.

Dublin’s Jack Kennedy tested the CBR600RR for the first time as he gears up for his return to the British Supersport Championship while BSB champion Tommy Bridewell and Ulsterman Andrew Irwin blew off the winter cobwebs on Superstock-specification Fireblades, due to testing restrictions in place for 2024.