Kawasaki Puccetti Racing’s Kenan Sofuoglu has undergone successful surgery on his injured right hand, and now looks to recovery in time for the 2017 opener in under a month’s time.

Breaking a bone in his right wrist following a Supermotard training accident back in Turkey, the reigning champions participation in the Phillip Island races were put in doubt as he was forced to sit out of the remainder of the pre-season testing regime.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Demirtaş performed the operation on the Turk this week, and they are said to be pleased with the progress he is making so far.

With the expected recovery time of six weeks, it remains in doubt as to whether he will be able to compete in the opening race of his championship defending campaign which is now less than four weeks away.

"During cold weather, the bones are so stiff that you can break even in a small accident,” Sofuoglu explained of his accident. “We had a final official test before the race in Australia and didn’t have chance to participate because of this surgery. My doctor said that my pain will decrease in 2 weeks – I might miss the test after 3 weeks, but then could race after 3,5 weeks. I do not know if I will be able to go out in the first race, I'm living with hope.”

The champion concluded: "I want to protect my championship as world champion of 2016. Sometimes these difficulties make us stronger during the season and I have had difficulties in my previous championships."