Melandri determined to ride in Catalunya

From motogp.com

Marco Melandri’s determination to put the last two races behind him will see the Italian attempt to ride through the pain barrier this weekend, as he goes to the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya still recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered just seven days previously.

A highside crash in the second practice session last Friday at Assen ended in pain for Melandri as he dislocated his left shoulder, subsequently missing the race.

Having crashed out in the previous round at Silverstone the 27-year-old refused to be laid low for the forthcoming seventh round at Catalunya, and has undergone an intense physiotherapy regime to ensure he can ride.

"I’m going to Barcelona with the clear objective of putting the disappointments of Silverstone and Assen behind me,” said a resolute Melandri. “I will obviously have to wait and see how I feel on the bike after such a big crash in Holland but my determination to race again is huge.

“I have had a lot of treatment on the shoulder since Saturday and even though I still won’t be at peak physical fitness I am determined to get back out on track. I really want to build on the progress we made in practice at Assen, where we confirmed our recent progress with the set-up of the bike.”

Initially checked by Doctor Costa of the Clinica Mobile last Saturday morning, Doctor Giuseppe Porcellini completed another assessment Monday and reported that Melandri will require further checks on the ligaments around his collarbone and shoulder. Those specialist tests will take place after Barcelona this weekend, meaning Melandri has been cleared to race.

“I hope I am fit and able to continue the recent good work we’ve been doing so that we can have more to be pleased with by the end of the weekend,” added Melandri, who had enjoyed some notable progress in his results over the opening four rounds before Silverstone, including fifth place in his home race at Mugello.