Stoner's hopes of ending career on a high 'finished'

MOTOR SPORT: Casey Stoner’s hopes of ending his career with a third MotoGP world title are “finished” after his Repsol Honda…

MOTOR SPORT:Casey Stoner's hopes of ending his career with a third MotoGP world title are "finished" after his Repsol Honda team announced he would miss this weekend's Czech Grand Prix to undergo surgery on his injured right ankle.

The Australian (26) seriously damaged ligaments and suffered fractures to his ankle after his violent accident in qualifying for last Sunday’s Indianapolis Grand Prix.

The Honda rider rode through the pain to secure a fourth place race finish, eventually losing the battle for the final podium spot to Andrea Dovizioso as he tired in the latter stages. Stoner, who will retire at the end of the season, had to be helped from his bike at the conclusion of the race.

He had planned to ride in practice at Brno but doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, and he is to return to his homeland today.