By H. Mayor – photo: Rossi | On the 31st of August ‘The Doctor’ fractured his right tibia and fibula during a motocross practice session. Initial prognosis gave him at least a month to fully recover from his injury. But Valentino Rossi has a habit of rising above unfavourable predictions. This Monday in Misano, the Italian pilot has been testing his fitness, and this wednesday has made the decission for a very early come back: the Grand Prix of Aragon.   

Is he really going to make it? “It is practically impossible” Yamaha declared in a statement to the press where it also announced Van der Mark will be his replacement. Rossi himself however, doesn’t seem to have ruled it out completely. While he still uses a crutch to walk, the nine times champion decided to ride an R1 again yesterday for a few laps at the Misano circuit. The test had to be cut short because of the rain and the results were inconclusive… but he has decided to try again this friday to make a decision.

A premature comeback

Classification-wise, an early comeback from Rossi is unlikely to have any substantial impact. Rossi is fourth in the standings and is 42 points behind the joint leaders, Márquez and Dovizioso. It would be practically impossible to catch up with them in just four races and his own team-mate Maverick Viñales is much better positioned to do it at just 16 points behind. What motivates ‘The Doctor’ to attempt a premature comeback is purely his tirelessly competitive character.

“His leg was hurting a lot but he will try” is father said at the end of the test in Misano, a mere 7 or 8 laps before being interrupted by the rain. Today he has decided to go ahead, the next test will be Friday’s practice session in Aragon. If then he feels he is ready, he would have to be passed fit to ride by the medical team. Everyone thinks it is unlikely he will race, even reckless, but nobody dares to close the door completely.