Jorge may well end up a bit further behind.
What I remember from what I've seen in print, Spies has been working on his riding technique and not changing the bike much, if at all.
So if George is missing the next test, and they don't share data anymore... wouldn't you think he's really behind the curve early this season? He's off Rossi's pace and you'd imagine Rossi will pick up another half second or more at the next test while Yorgie sits at the house. They should let Spies develop Yorgies bike while he's gone.