MXGP rising talent Mitch Evans has elected to undergo a third surgery on his troublesome left wrist, further delaying his return to the world championship.

Evans in currently home in Australia as he battles to return to complete health, the Team HRC rider suffering from complications and missing Russia’s 2021 opener.

The 22-year-old will have an operation in a bid to repair his wrist, HRC has confirmed, however, his return to racing is yet to be determined. He signed a multi-year contract with Honda last season.

“It was a really difficult decision to have to do this surgery, knowing that I’d be missing more racing, but I knew that my wrist wasn’t 100 percent and I wouldn’t be able to compete at the level I wanted until I got it fixed,” Evans commented.

“Now I’m back in Australia getting ready for the surgery and I’ll stay here until I’m ready to return to action, which hopefully won’t be too long. A big thank you to the team for their support and congrats to Tim [Gajser] on an excellent ride in Russia – I can’t wait to be on the gate alongside you!

“Also, thanks to my fans for their support during this tough period, it feels good that so many people believe in me and I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the races so I can repay everyone’s faith.”

Evans is regarded as one of MXGP’s brightest emerging riders, finishing inside the top five on two occasions during his rookie campaign and starring with a moto podium at the opening round in Great Britain.

Following his convincing start to the season, Evans dislocated his shoulder at Valkenswaard and had to undergo surgery, returning at Latvia following the coronavirus pause and then breaking his wrist in Spain.