While Takumi Takahashi and Hiroshi Aoyama have been confirmed by the HRC to participate in the preparation tests for the Sepang trials, Stefan Bradl should theoretically join them, but his physical condition is still a problem.
Along with the three Honda drivers, are currently announced for these pre-tests from January 24 to 26 in Malaysia Casey Stoner and Michele Pirro for Ducati, while should ride for Suzuki Sylvain Guintoli, for Aprilia Matteo Baiocco, Mika Kallio for KTM, plus Yamaha with Kats Nakasuga and Kohta Nozane.
Bradl, who has finished in the top ten in the MotoGP World Championship 47 times in five years and has previously worked with Honda, Yamaha and Aprilia, has not ridden since his World Superbike Championship crash in Portimão on September 16. He suffered an injury to the scapholunate ligament, which holds the lunate and navicular bone together in his right wrist. The injury caused the two bones to separate by three millimeters.
On September 28, a wire was inserted, which was removed on November 16. After that, Bradl was not allowed to use his right wrist for four weeks. The German driver spoke with Speedweek.com's Günther Wiesinger.
Stefan, you expected that by January you would be reasonably ready to ride. Is the recovery of the right wrist progressing?
“She’s moving forward. But in the current situation, I couldn't fly three full days.
“It all depends on the power, but there are always limits in terms of stretching, for example when I have to twist the throttle and hold on to the handlebars. This is still a problem for me.
You are with the HRC team from January 24 to 26 in Sepang.
“You know more than me. I can't say much about it. I haven't booked a flight yet...
But could you ever ride a motorcycle?
“If I tried it now, it would probably work.” I have made good progress with the hand since the second operation in November. But right now it's hard. I do physiotherapy every day, but extension, that is, full extension in the area of the surgical suture, always causes problems. It's still painful in the wrist. The scar tissue has already improved, but the pressure on the palms is still painful. If I grab a handlebar right now and simulate braking, it's definitely not perfect. But of course I would like to come back as soon as possible.
“In everyday life, I no longer have problems with my wrist. For strength, it looks good again. But the doctors reassure me. It'll be fine. It is normal for the healing process to be slower after a while. »
Photo © redbull-honda.com
Source: speedweek. com
