Valentino Rossi is set to make a remarkable comeback from a broken leg by racing in this weekend's MotoGP event in Germany.
Rossi, the reigning champion, suffered a compound fracture to his right leg in a crash at Mugello just 40 days ago but is hoping to be back on the grid at the Sachsenring on Sunday.
"I'm really excited that my doctors think I can ride this weekend," Rossi said. "Tomorrow I will see the medical officer and then we will have the final decision."
Rossi stunned doctors and fans alike by taking part in a test on a Yamaha superbike last week and followed that up with a second test on Monday.
The Italian completed 46 laps of the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic on Monday and has decided he is fit enough to race his Fiat Yamaha this weekend.
It is a remarkable return for the seven-time MotoGP champion who was expected to be out for four months.
"I know my MotoGP bike at the track is a different thing and it will be hard for me, but I miss my bike and my team and I want to try," he said.
"I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and being back in the paddock; I was tired of being at home. Wataru Yoshikawa will be there as well so if there is a problem he will ride my bike again."
Yoshikawa, the test rider, has filled in for Rossi at the last two grands prix.
Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi's teammate, has taken advantage of his rival's absence to win the last three races and put himself in control of this year's championship. Rossi is more than 100 points behind Lorenzo. Davide Brivio, the team manager, admitted he expects the champion to take time to find his best form.
"He's worked hard to make his recovery as quick as possible," Brivio said.
"We expect him to take a couple of races to be up to speed and competitive at the top after his injury, but it's very nice to see him back with us."
* PA
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Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
FA Cup quarter-final draw
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Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
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Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
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Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.