Next week, Pol Espargaro will learn if he can make a return to MotoGP racing since his horrific incident at Portimao.
The GASGAS Tech 3 rider has been sidelined since the season-opener but might make a comeback at the Italian MotoGP in Mugello next weekend.
Espargaro recently acknowledged that he had considered quitting after his terrible crash, which left him with multiple fractures, including a cracked jaw that prevented him from eating normally for weeks.
During the practice incident, Espargaro also suffered injuries to his back and lungs. However, the Spaniard is expected to make a comeback at one of the next three races after a few weeks of recovery.
“Next week, I’ll have my medical check-up, and if the doctors give me the green light, I’ll be heading to Mugello,” Espargaro said in an interview with TV3. “If that’s not possible, I’ll aim to make it back for the second race (Sachsenring) or the third (Assen) of this triple-header.”
Given the severity of his injuries and his extended absence from racing, there will undoubtedly be some adaptations required when Espargaro returns to the MotoGP.
The ex-Repsol Honda rider will return on what is arguably the second-best bike currently on the grid.
Factory riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller have both performed impressively in recent races, making Binder the clear favorite for the championship.
However, not just the pairing of Binder and Miller has been pushing hard; Augusto Fernandez, a teammate of Espargaro, finished fourth in the French Grand Prix at Le Mans.
Espargaro told DAZN.com that recent successes have spurred his motivation to return after witnessing the caliber of performance on display from other KTM riders.
“I’m itching to get back on the motorcycle… It’s what gets me out of bed every day, my ultimate fuel,” Espargaro said. “I’d love to return for Mugello.
“Seeing the KTM bikes performing well also fuels my motivation.”
