Pramac Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci is set to return to the MotoGP in time for the fifth round of the season at the Le Mans for the French GP.
Following injuries sustained in pre-season testing at Phillip Island, and reinjured again during Free Practice at the season opener in Qatar, Petrucci has had to undergo two bouts of surgery on his right hand after he broke three metacarpals which left him with twenty screws and two plates being inserted.
Twitter: Not exactly the same 20 points I wanted after Qatar. Beside 20 screws and 2 plates.
Anyway, I smile. https://t.co/ZjQkfkZGCB (@Petrux9)
“I trained a lot in the last few weeks. This time I did things more calmly, waiting for my body to give me permission to train. I’m happy to be back and I feel good. Of course we must see the reaction to the first impact with the track as the intense workout made at home certainly cannot be compared to a race weekend. But I’m very confident.”
Petrucci originally crashed at turn eight of Philip Island during testing in a ‘bizarre’ incident. When the Italian returned in time for the Free Practice sessions ahead of qualifying in Qatar, he did not crash, but the strain from riding his bike caused him to re-break his hand and having to undergo surgery again.
Petrucci is extremely grateful to those who have helped him in his rehabilitation over the last few weeks which has enable him to return to the paddock so soon.
“I want to thank all the people who helped me, my trainer Marco Baglioni, Tommaso, Filippo, and my brother Francesco who have trained with me, pushing me every day. I also want to thank the Medical Team of Terni who provided me with all the tools for physiotherapy and Dr Tarallo, from the team of prof. Catani, who operated me. Then a big thank to all my fans for their support. I can’t wait to be at Le Mans and I hope I can soon give to all of them so much satisfaction.”
