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It's only a matter of time before we receive official confirmation, but Valentino Rossi has already made his decision - he will try to race at Aragon. Yesterday, a few laps on the R1 at Misano before the rain fell made him realise that it might just be possible.
Today, back out on the Italian track, this time together with his Academy riders, that small hope has increased. While yesterday he was only able to complete 4 laps, today's test was longer and told him much more.
The weather was also better, with only a light sprinkling of rain, almost as if it too hopes for the Doctor's return. The important thing is that, despite the pain and the fact he only had surgery 19 days ago, Valentino is able to ride.
He was on track with an R1 though, a supersport that though powerful and technological, doesn't stress the body like a MotoGP. Getting on his M1 will be another story and Rossi is well aware of that. This doesn't change the fact that he wants to try. He will see the Aragon circuit doctors to get the all clear on Thursday, before getting on the bike on Friday morning.
Only then will he really be able to understand whether competing in a 23-lap race is feasible or not. Michael Van der Mark will be in the garage anyway, ready to take up the reins in case of any problems.
Valentino will be getting back on a MotoGP bike just 21 days after his injury, an outright record.
"Valentino Rossi wants to race at Aragon? If he does it, he obviously feels ok. If he feels ok, why shouldn't he race. If he races it's because he feels able to do so. There are tough things to predict or judge. Coming back only to take part in practice wouldn't make sense, but racing would” comments Giacomo Agostini to Ansa.
A rider's brain is a mysterious thing, capable of incredible things. Rossi is another shining example.
The official Yamaha release confirms Valentino's 20 laps on the R1 this afternoon with “better sensations than yesterday”.
It also states that “Rossi will undergo further medical checks tomorrow, after which he will make a final decision as to whether to try and take part in the Aragon Grand Prix”.
