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Speed of Yamaha rider Rossi's recovery 'perplexing' - MotoGP doctor

MotoGP medical director Angel Charte says he is "perplexed" by the speed of Valentino Rossi's recovery from his broken leg.

Yamaha rider Rossi was cleared to ride in this weekend's Aragon round on Thursday, just 21 days after he fractured his tibia and fibula in a motocross training crash.

Doctors had originally expected the 38-year-old to be out of action for "30 to 40 days".

Rossi tested a road bike for the first time since his accident at Misano earlier this week and will assess his condition after Friday's first practice session before deciding whether to contest the remainder of the weekend.

"It's obvious that Rossi feels in a position to race, just like it's obvious that we need to check that he can and that he has to pass all the tests like any other rider," Charte said.

"Rossi's fracture happened while training and I must say that his doctor did an exceptional job: 24 hours later the rider was already in rehabilitation.

"We have been monitoring his recovery almost daily, but it's obvious that 'il dottore' [the doctor] is 'il dottore' and I have to admit I was perplexed by how well he has recovered from this type of injury."

Charte admitted Rossi, who is still walking with crutches, will not be fully fit this weekend but insisted the Yamaha rider passed the required tests without problem and was aware of the risks riding this weekend presented.

"We'll monitor his evolution closely. He has undergone the standards tests and he has passed them perfectly," Charte added.

"He's not 100%, that's obvious, but he has no pain, which is very important. But we'll probably have to apply an anti-inflammatory treatment during these days.

"I spoke with Valentino before the tests and he is a man with a very clear mind and aware of the risks.

"He knows that a crash would not be good but I want to make clear that he been cleared to race because he's ready to race. He has passed all the tests that all riders have to pass.

"But we have been excited and impressed of how well his evolution has been so far."

Yamaha World Superbike rider Michael van der Mark had been named as Rossi's replacement should the Italian withdraw from the weekend and is on standby at Aragon.

Zdroj: autosport.com