Barbera out for four to six weeks

MADRID — Spanish MotoGP rider Hector Barbera will miss next week’s US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca after breaking his left leg and shinbone in a training accident. The Ducati Pramac Racing team said its sole rider underwent surgery in Barcelona Sunday, with a titanium plate and several screws inserted, and would be out for up to six weeks. “We are confident that Hector will be able to leave the hospital in 48 hours and can begin light physical activity in seven days,” said surgeon Xavier Mir in a statement. The injury came only a week after the rider secured his first front row MotoGP start by qualifying third in Italy. — Reuters