Both Yamaha riders out as Ben Spies withdraws!
The Factory Yamaha MotoGP team will not take part in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix after announcing that Ben Spies has joined team-mate Jorge Lorenzo in being unfit to race.
As previously reported, world champion and 2011 title contender Lorenzo sustained an injury to the fourth finger of the left hand during this morning's warm up.
The Spaniard will travel to Melbourne to undergo plastic surgery to repair the damage. The injury means Honda's Casey Stoner needs only a top six finish this afternoon to be crowned champion.
Spies, meanwhile, received a hit to the head during Saturday's qualifying session after a high-speed crash.
According to Yamaha 'after attempting to ride some laps in this morning's warm up, the rider reached an agreement with team members that with reduced concentration attempting the race would be considered too dangerous for himself and other competitors'.
Lorenzo had qualified second, with Spies due to start from seventh place.
