Ducati News Today

In what would seem a miraculous state of affairs, Valentino Rossi will return to MotoGP racing this weekend at the Sachsenring for the German round of the series just 42 days after breaking his tibia in a compound fracture during practice for the Mugello round pending approval by MotoGP’s Chief Medical Officer.

Rossi was not expected to return until Brno on August 15th but a series of positive tests on Yamaha R1 World Superbike machinery (due to the MotoGP testing ban) at Misano and Brno showed that he is fit to ride albeit perhaps not yet at full pace.

“Racing in the next two races would be important in order to be in good shape in Brno (on August 15th), however I think we’ll have to wait until Misano (on September 5th) to be fully competitive.”

link: MotoGP.com

Nevertheless at Brno, the recovering Vale recorded laps competitive with the World Superbike round held the day before in similar conditions despite his lack of familiarity with the tires or machine.

Rossi’s return is big news for the series which has mourned his absence. While he has been gone, team mate Jorge Lorenzo has cemented his lead in the championship, winning the last three races on the trot. Although there is no chance of another title this year, Rossi is still just 30 points shy of 3rd in the championship currently occupied by Andrea Dovizioso.

“I’m really excited that my doctors think I can ride this weekend. Tomorrow I will see the medical officer and then we will have the final decision. I felt good on the R1 but 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 will be there as well so if there is a problem he will ride my bike again.”

link: Fiat Yamaha Team

In more Ducati specific news, Rossi is widely expected to announce soon his signing to Marlboro Ducati for 2011 following the departure of Casey Stoner to HRC next year.

Source: Speedweek (English Transation), Official MotoGP Tweet

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