Rabat plans MotoGP comeback at Valencia test

Tito Rabat plans to make his MotoGP return when winter testing gets underway at Valencia on November 20-21, but will not take part in the season-ending race weekend.

The Avintia Ducati rider has been sidelined since suffering multiple leg fractures at Silverstone, when he was hit in the gravel trap by the fallen machine of Franco Morbidelli.

Rabat climbed back on a motorcycle on Tuesday, 73 days after the triple fracture in his right leg, to test his condition on a Panigale V4 Superbike.

While his feelings were ‘positive’, the 2014 Moto2 World Champion also realised he is still far from his normal physical condition and, together with the team and Dr. Angel Charte, opted not to take part in the Valencia Grand Prix.

However Rabat will make his debut on the Ducati GP18, with which factory riders Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo have won six races so far this season, during the following post-race test.

“I have been working hard for more than two months since I got injured, my leg is getting better everyday and I have been able to test with my Panigale in a couple of circuits,” Rabat said.

“I have seen that on the bike the leg is not a problem, but I have also seen that I’m still not 100%, therefore, it would be very dangerous for me and the other riders to return for next weekend’s Valencia race.

“We believe it is the best decision. But for sure I will try the at test on Tuesday with my new Ducati GP18. We will see how I feel and then keep working to recover my leg to reach the top before next season. This is the most important thing.”

Jordi Torres, who has replaced Rabat since Aragon, is recovering from hand surgery after an injury at last weekend’s Malaysian MotoGP.