Valentino Rossi has decided to attempt to ride in this weekend’s Aragon MotoGP just 20 days after breaking his right leg in a training incident.
The Yamaha rider suffered a displaced fracture to his right tibia and fibula during an enduro training incident in Italy a week prior to the San Marino Grand Prix.
After having the leg successfully pinned, a recovery time of 30-40 days was set for the Italian. However, just over two weeks after sustaining the injury Rossi rode a Yamaha road bike to assess his fitness on Monday and Tuesday.
Completing 20 laps of Misano on a YZF-R1M on Tuesday afternoon, Rossi underwent a check-up on his leg, the positive outcome of which helping him to decide to ride this weekend.
The Italian still needs to be passed fit by MotoGP‘s medical staff at the circuit on Thursday. Should they deem him fit, he will contest the opening 45-minute practice session on Friday morning.
“Fortunately, yesterday I had a good test with my YZF-R1M in Misano,” said Rossi, who is 42 points adrift of the championship lead after missing the race at Misano.
“I tried also the day before, but the rain stopped me after a few laps. Yesterday I managed to complete 20 laps and find the answers I was looking for.
“Eventually, the test was positive and I want to say thanks to Dr. Lucidi and his staff, who helped me find the best solutions to feel the least amount of pain possible in my leg when I‘m riding.
“Obviously at the end of the test I was in a little bit of pain, but this morning I went to Dr. Pascarella for a medical check, and it came out with a positive result.
“At the end I decided I will leave for Aragón and will try to ride my M1 this weekend.
“If I will be declared fit to ride, I’ll have the real answer after FP1, because riding the M1 will be a much bigger challenge.”
Yamaha World Superbike rider Michael van der Mark is on stand-by to replace the Italian should he be declared unfit by circuit medical staff or pull out after Friday practice.
Despite potentially being denied his MotoGP debut, the Dutchman understands the situation and will still look forward to watching Rossi make his comeback.
“Though it remained uncertain if I will get to ride the YZR-M1 this weekend, I’m still looking forward to it,” the Portimao WorldSBK podium finisher said.
“While I would like to get to step aboard the YZR-M1, I’m also fully supporting Valentino making his return.
“I’ll either get to make my MotoGP debut or, should I not be able to ride, I will get to see Valentino live in action as he makes his combeack.”
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