Andrea Dovizioso looks set to attempt taking to the grid for the MotoGP season opener at Jerez in three weeks time after receiving successful surgery for a broken collar bone.
The Italian suffered his injury after crashing while taking part in a motocross race in Faenza yesterday, immediately flying to the Policlinico di Modena hospital for emergency surgery in order to try and be ready for the opening Jerez contest.
He was discharged this morning after the “positive” procedure outcome, allowing the Ducati man the maximum possible time to recover ahead of MotoGP’s competition resumption.
Dovizioso says he is “very optimistic” about being ready to take to the grid at Jerez on the 19th July weekend, adding that he isn’t “feeling much pain” following the surgery.
“The surgery went well, and I want to thank all the medical team that did the operation so quickly,” said Dovizioso this morning.
“I don’t feel much pain, and that makes me very optimistic. I came home this morning, and during the afternoon, I will plan my rehabilitation.
“I am confident that in these weeks I will be able to recover and that I will be in full shape in time for the first 2020 GP in Jerez.”
Dovizioso’s presence on the ’21 premier class grid remains uncertain due to still having not penned a deal to remain with the factory Ducati outfit he has competed with since ’13, managing 13 wins and three successive runners-up championship results in the past three seasons across this period.
The relationship between the two parties has become strained over the past couple of seasons, with Dovizioso becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress being made by the Bologna-based manufacturer regarding the Desmosedici’s long-standing turning problems that he feels has cost him the chance to beat Marc Marquez to a MotoGP title.
Despite this, it is thought that Ducati and Dovizioso are close to coming to an agreement for them to continue together next year, with retirement likely the only other option for Dovizioso should he not sign a new deal.
