Having recharged his batteries during the two-week break after the race in Aragรณn, while also allowing more time for his injuries to heal, Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi has flown to Japan to kick off the triple-header overseas, starting with the team's home race at this weekend's Motul Grand Prix of Japan.
Rossi made a stunning comeback at the race weekend in Aragรณn two weekends ago, securing a brilliant fifth place, just 24 days after sustaining a leg injury. The nine-time World Champion used the last two weeks to further rehabilitate his right leg and expects he will be able to ride with more ease this weekend.
In the past, the Italian rider has secured numerous successes at the Motegi track.
Since the circuit was added to the MotoGP calendar in 1999, he secured two wins in the premier class (2001 and 2008), scored seven second places (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2015), and secured two third places (2010 and 2014).
This weekend he aims to score solid points again and reclaim fourth in the overall standings, bridging the two-point gap to the rival ahead of him.
โAfter my return to MotoGP in Aragรณn, the work and my recovery have continued,โ he explained. โIt was good to have two more weeks after the last race to work on my rehabilitation, because now we will have three races in a row and it will be important to be in a good physical condition. I did everything possible to get pretty fit for the round at the Motegi track, because this is always a very important GP for Yamaha. I likeย this circuitย very much and I'm glad to be here. We will do everything we can to get the best result possible.โ
