Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team’s Dylan Ferrandis, currently holding second place in the FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship, will have surgery this week on a knee injury sustained in Spain.

Already a GP winner this season in Argentina, Ferrandis has been one of the leading contenders in the MX2 world series, but the young Frenchman who will turn 21 at the end of this month was unfortunate in Talavera de la Reina as he hit twice the ground with his left foot and felt intense pain in his knee.

Ferrandis bravely rode in pain to third place in the second race, but back home in France he had several examinations which revealed damage to the ligaments and meniscus of his left knee.

Team owner Jean Jacques Luisetti said: “It is a very bad news for the team because Dylan had the potential to win GPs this year as he proved in Argentina. I am sure that he will return to racing even stronger after this injury.

“His goal is to be back as soon as possible, but without taking any risks, and he is already looking forward to 2016 when he will try to get his first world title. We want to thank all our sponsors who are not putting any pressure on us to replace Dylan. We are going to think carefully about our plans.”

Professor Sonery Cottet, who already took care of him two years ago, will carry out the surgery on him on Thursday in Lyon.