Update: Rossi Ready for Sachsenring Return

Only one more hurdle has to be passed in order to see reigning MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi back on the grid for the German Grand Prix this weekend. The Italian proceeded to a second Superbike test on Monday and felt a lot better as compared to his initial running on the Yamaha YZF-R1 last week (at Misano), telling the media that he is set to make his MotoGP return at the Sachsenring. Nevertheless, he still needs to wait for the go-ahead from his medical staff but, considering the fact that he doesn't feel the same pain in his shoulder as he did a week ago and that he was able to do another 46 laps around the Brno circuit on Wednesday, he expects that to be only a formality. “Compared to Misano I have felt a lot more in shape (at Brno). After eight laps my shoulder and knee hurt, but I've made huge steps over the last five days. Last week everything would hurt. Being on the bike is good for me,” said The Doctor in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “Let's wait for the last medical exam,” added however the Italian rider. “If I decide to come back it means I'm able to do it. It won't be a crazy thing. But I've really grown tired of staying home. I'll need a couple of races to be competitive again: I expect to be able to show what I can do at Misano.” Rossi's initial return date had been set for the Czech Republic Grand Prix, at Brno, scheduled for mid-August. Which is why his Yamaha team appointed test rider Wataru Yoshikawa to compete alongside Jorge Lorenzo for the races at Assen, Catalunya, Sachsenring and Laguna Seca. Nevertheless, with 4 races already missed from this year's campaign – 3 of which have been won by his teammate Lorenzo – Rossi wants to come back as soon as possible. “Though only one month has passed since Mugello, Valentino is back and I am amazed at the marvelous recovery he has made. I respect his decision to try to ride and it seems from the R1 test he did that he is still very fast,” said Yoshikawa, amazed by the quick recovery experienced by Rossi. Update: Chief Medical Officer Dr. Huber Fischer cleared Valentino Rossi medically for his return to MotoGP action at the Sachsenring.