MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has been cleared to make a shock return at Sunday’s German MotoGP.
The Italian seven-time world champion fractured his right shin at Mugello on 5 June, an injury expected to rule the 31-year-old out for six months.
However, the chief medical officer for the Sachsenring race said on Thursday the Fiat Yamaha rider is fit to race.
“Valentino Rossi has been officially cleared to ride at this weekend’s German Grand Prix,” said Fiat Yamaha.
“He was examined by the chief medical officer for this event, Dr Huber Fischer, who found him fit enough to compete this weekend.” BBC Sport
Rossi suffered the injury in practice for last month’s Italian Grand Prix and was initially told by doctors that he would be out for at least three months.
He has missed four races and dropped to seventh in the standings led by Spanish team mate Jorge Lorenzo. Times of India
“I’m really excited that my doctors think I can ride this weekend,” enthused the 31-year-old.
“I will see the medical officer and then we will have the final decision. I felt good on the R1; I know my M1 at the track is a different thing and it will be hard for me, but I miss my bike and my team and I want to try.”
“I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and being back in the paddock – I was tired of being at home. Wataru [Yoshikawa] will be there as well, so if there is a problem he will ride my bike again.”
Indeed, Yamaha’s veteran Japanese test rider will be on-hand once more in case of need, but it is clear that Rossi’s team manager Davide Brivio is eager to see his talisman rider back on the grid.
“Valentino has made a big effort to be ready to race at the Sachsenring this weekend,” affirmed the Italian.
“He really wanted to be back riding his M1 as soon as he could, so he’s worked hard to make his recovery as quick as possible. We expect him to take a couple of races to be up-to-speed and competitive at the top after his injury, but it’s very nice to see him back with us.” Yahoo! Eurosport
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