A dislocated left shoulder will prevent the Spanish rider from taking part in the second and final IRTA official MotoGP test session at Jerez de la Frontera. The consequences of Carlos Checa’s crash on Saturday 19 March during the IRTA test session at Barcelona are more serious than first thought. What appeared to be bruising to his left shoulder is now affecting the final pre-season tests of the Ducati Marlboro Team rider, who will be forced to rest for a few more days. Despite intense physiotherapy, the Spanish rider, who also missed last Sunday’s final session at Barcelona for the same reason, will not be fit for the forthcoming IRTA test, scheduled for March 25-27 at Jerez. The medical team at the Deux Eus hospital in Barcelona carried out an MRI scan on Checa to evaluate the state of his current injuries, and noted evidence of a dislocation of the left shoulder. The medical report refers to a period of rest of at least two weeks, during which time the Spanish rider will continue with the physiotherapy he is already carrying out at the C.A.R. fitness centre in S. Cugat. “I am really sorry that I can’t take part in the final test session before the start of the championship. I wanted to test on the track that will be the venue for the first round of the season but the doctors advised me against it and I prefer not to run the risk of worsening the situation” declared Carlos Checa. “My leg is not giving me any problems but my shoulder is not yet healed: when it’s at rest it doesn’t bother me, but as soon as I move it I can feel a lot of pain. Luckily in November we already did some testing at Jerez, with positive results, and this is some consolation in view of the first round which will be held there. I will continue the physiotherapy every day because I want to be fully fit for April 10”. As a result Loris Capirossi will be the only rider from the Ducati Marlboro Team to take part in the final winter test and carry on the development work of the Desmosedici GP5 and Bridgestone tyres in view of the opening round. Test rider Vittoriano Guareschi and the Development Team will also be present at Jerez.