Image: Spencer Owens (Align Media).

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship title defense of Dylan Ferrandis is over before it even begins, unfortunately injuring his thumb at Fox Raceway on Tuesday and requiring surgery.

Ferrandis had assumed it was a minor sprain when he exited the circuit and departed early during the final session, later taking part in the afternoon’s press conference and outlining his desire to defend.

However, scans have since confirmed the extent of the injury is more serious than expected and he will undergo surgery in order to ensure a complete recovery. It’s not yet understood when he will be able to return or if it will be possible this summer.

“Unfortunately I had a small crash Tuesday and I hurt my left thumb,” Ferrandis announced. “I thought it was minor sprain, but the medical exam showed broken ligament with stener effect, which means it will never recover without a surgery.

“I wanted to try to ride Saturday, but without surgery in the few weeks the ligament can die and the damage can be irreversible for the rest of my career. We decide with the team to go for the surgery now to have me back at my full physical capacity as soon as possible that mean I will miss the beginning of the motocross season.

“I am at the saddest point of my career to have to miss a championship that I won last year and to not put the number plate where it belong, I worked so hard and invest everything I could to win again this championship – this sport is so ruthless, I have broken heart for my sponsor and people that help me, I’m sorry.”