WSBK legend Pier-Francesco Chili may have finally retired from racing, but injuries sustained during his record-breaking career continue to take their toll - and the Italian recently had an artificial hip fitted and metal plate removed.
According to the official WSBK website 'Frankie' - whose 278 race World Superbike career produced 61 podiums, 17 wins and 10 pole positions - underwent surgery on Saturday January 13 to have the artificial hip fitted, an operation the 42-year-old has needed for some time due to difficulties in movement. A plate was also removed from Chili's left collarbone at the same time.
Chili, who suffered a broken pelvis and shoulder injuries during 2006 alone, finished his final season of racing 22nd in the points and had been expected to move from DFX Honda rider to team manager for 2007.
However, Frankie's latest plans are described as 'working closely' with his former DFX team-mate
Michel Fabrizio this season, although he will miss the opening pair of events - at Qatar and Australia - while he recovers from the surgery.
Steve Martin has taken Chili's vacant seat alongside young Italian Fabrizio for 2007.
