Jorge Lorenzo has been cleared to race at this weekend's MotoGP at Le Mans despite still being troubled by the ankle injuries he suffered in a practice crash at the previous round in Shanghai.
The 21-year-old Fiat Yamaha rider, who when not on a bike has been in a wheelchair since the crash, claimed a heroic fourth place in the race in China two weeks ago and has been given the green light for France after medical checks on Wednesday.
"Not enough time has passed yet for the injuries to fully heal, but Jorge's pain threshold will allow him to compete without too much risk this weekend," said Dr Xavier Mir.
Lorenzo's injuries will take months to heal, but the Spaniard is in upbeat mood ahead of Le Mans, where he will hope to reclaim the championship lead from Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa, who established a seven-point advantage at the summit with second place in China.
Lorenzo is enjoying a stunning debut season in MotoGP, taking pole at the first three races of the campaign and finishing on the podium at each, and claiming his maiden series win in Portugal.
His accident in China ultimately ended that sparkling run of form, but he is determined to bounce back at the fifth round of the season this weekend.
Lorenzo said: "I was lucky in China. If I'd have landed differently it could have ruled me out until the middle of the season and certainly prevented me from enjoying myself as much as I am in this early part of the season.
"I won't be at 100% for Le Mans but my mental condition should make me strong at one of my favourite circuits and I am really looking forward to the race just the same.
"I know my team will help me all that they can and hopefully I will be in good enough shape to challenge strongly, as I have at the first four races.
"China was unfortunate but now I have to move on."
Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi claimed his first win of the year in Shanghai to move to within two points of the rookie Yamaha rider.
The Italian superstar is now firmly back in the race for the title, and at a Le Mans circuit where he has claimed five MotoGP podiums, he is in confident mood.
"We're going there on a real high after the fantastic result in China and I am confident that we can have a good weekend," said Rossi.
"China was a very important boost for everyone and a great result for all the hard work that everyone has put in so far this season to get us to this point, and now we have to make the most of this moment and keep pushing like this.
"We are nine points from the top of the championship but our rivals are very motivated too so there is no let-up and we must go for the maximum points again."
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