The driver of the Sic58 Squadra Corse team arrived in the paddock, in Motegi, to enter the track again.
Absent for two Grands Prix, Niccolo Antonelli flew to Japan where he hopes to receive the green light from the doctors to ride on Friday. Victim of a fracture to his right collarbone and left wrist following a serious fall at home in Misano, he had surgery to stabilize his injuries and has since been convalescing.
A return to Thailand was then considered, but this was ultimately not possible, the return being too premature although he gave everything to achieve it. Replaced by Davide Pizzoli in Aragón then by Kevin Zannoni in Buriram, two young compatriots, number 23 was slow to find his machine: “It’s been hard staying away from the Grands Prix, but I’m finally leaving for Motegi. I'm not 100% yet, but the important thing is to get back on track. I thank you all for the support you have given me. »
The three consecutive GPs promise to be difficult, and the Italian will certainly not immediately regain his place at the front. He was in fact fourth in the Championship before Misano, and announced himself at the start of the season as a title contender. If it ultimately turns out otherwise, he will give his all this weekend to still achieve a good result on this track which has seen him shine in the past. Apart from last year, he has always scored points, and even won the race in 2015, in addition to another podium in 2017.
