Marco Melandri is expected to return to MotoGP action at Jerez this weekend after suffering multiple leg injuries in a high-speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix last month.
Italian Marco Melandri is expected to return to MotoGP action at Jerez this weekend after suffering a double fracture of his ankle in a high-speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix last month.
The 20-year-old also chipped his femur and broke his nose when he fell during practice at Suzuka. He spent a month recovering at a hospital in Imola.
“Since Suzuka I have been working a lot in physiotherapy, and this has been my only focus. I have been swimming and cycling for about six hours each day. After Suzuka I was hoping to be ready to ride in South Africa but then I chose not to race there because it would have been too risky,” said the Yamaha rider.
Norick Abe replaced Melandri at Phakisa. “I watched the race in Welkom and was really sad because I was so far from the track. I tried to stay positive and convince myself that it was better to stay at home and to focus on working on my ankle and getting it better for Jerez.
“My leg has healed quicker than was expected but I cannot say exactly how well it is until I ride again. I rode a Yamaha R6 in Monza last week for a bit, but Jerez will be like training again for me, and I know that I must take things slowly, as if I’m starting all over again.
“I’m lucky because I injured my right ankle and with the four-strokes you can use the rear brake a bit less.”