Loeb: This is a real tough break.

Sebastien Loeb has confirmed that his operation went well, following his mountain bike accident on Tuesday evening while training in the build-up to the Rally of Turkey, the 13th round in the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship.

Speaking on his official website, the Kronos Citroen number one driver added that he has been touched by all the messages of support since the incident, which has left him with a broken right arm.

"Like you probably know already, I broke the top of my humerus Tuesday evening while riding a mountain bike - a real tough break. I was riding on a forest gravel trail and my front wheel got stuck against a rock. I went over the handlebars and landed on my shoulder," he explained.

"I was operated on this [Wednesday] morning and saw the doctor this evening. He reassured me about my condition. The operation went well but I won't be able to participate in Rally Turkey, that's for sure! I hope to be fine very soon.

"For now I need to rest. I have cancelled all my appointments at the [French] Auto Show. I won't give any interviews for a few days. I thank you all for your numerous messages of support in my guest book. It really touches me and lifts my spirits. Thanks."

Kronos team boss, Marc van Dalen meanwhile has that he is currently uncertain how long the Frenchman will be out of action: "He underwent surgery on Wednesday and will not be available to compete in Turkey. We can't really look beyond that at the moment," he told BBC Sport Online.

"We feel bad for him because he's an exceptional individual. But he's an athlete and athletes recover faster than us."