Kenneth Gundersen is likely to miss the rest of the 2008 FIM MX1-GP World Championship after he was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and further damage inside the joint. His place on the YZ450F will be taken by team-mate Carlos Campano this weekend at Bellpuig for the Grand Prix of Spain while the British crew find a replacement.

Gundersen – who missed almost two campaigns of racing after a cartilage problem with his right leg in 2004/05 – landed awkwardly during Saturday practice for the season-opening Grand Prix two weeks ago at Valkenswaard in Holland. The Norwegian, a GP Yamaha rider for the last two years, had a lot of pain and travelled back to his home on Sunday. Examinations revealed the extent of the injury and he is set to go under the surgeon’s knife in the first week of May after swelling around the knee has subsided.

"It is a real shame for Kenneth, Yamaha, the team and all our sponsors,” said Team Manager Steve Dixon. “Kenneth had worked so hard over the winter and leading up to the first GP we were looking forward to some good results. I have never worked with someone as dedicated and as professional as Kenneth, he is so determined to achieve his goal and whilst he stayed in England I have witnessed that commitment.”

“I really hope Kenneth can make a full recovery and we will hope to finish what we set out to do in 2009, albeit a year later.”

Dixon also confirmed the new role for current MX2-GP rider and former Spanish Champion Carlos Campano. “We have moved Carlos up to the MX1 class so we can fulfil our MX1 obligations, as there simply does not seem to be any replacement riders around this early in the season,” he said. “We will have to adapt as the season goes on to maximise our coverage and profile on the track."