From Wheelchair to Starting Line on May 18 -- Can Lorenzo Do It?

[Mr Lefty]

http://motorcycledaily.com/06may08_jlorenzo.htm

If you had just received a hard casting of your broken right ankle, and a brace to support a torn ligament in your left ankle, and were now confined to a wheelchair, could you imagine lining up to race a MotoGP event on May 18? Less than two weeks away? This is the issue facing Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo, who lies second in the MotoGP championship series, after injuring both ankles this past weekend in China. Lorenzo bravely rode those injured ankles to a fourth place finish before visiting his doctor yesterday to discover the extent of his injuries. It seems this kid is just as tough as he is cocky and talented. What follows is a press release from his team describing his difficult circumstances.

Having flown straight back to Spain on Sunday night following his stunning ride to fourth place in Shanghai last weekend, Fiat Yamaha Team rider Jorge Lorenzo visited the Dexeus Institue in Barcelona on Monday morning for further examination by world-renowned specialist Dr. Xavier Mir.


Dr. Mir, who had only operated on Lorenzo two weeks ago to relieve compartmental syndrome in his right forearm, was keen to carry out his own diagnosis on the injuries sustained during free practice for the Grand Prix of China, which the Clinica Mobile had treated to great effect in Shanghai in order to allow Lorenzo to ride.

The injuries were confirmed to be slightly worse than first thought, especially to the right ankle, which was originally thought to have escaped fracture. A 3D CAT scan of both ankles revealed the following further injuries:

- Fracture of the Astragalus in the right ankle (no displacement)

- Torn lateral internal ligament in the left ankle

Treatment now consists of a solid cast for Lorenzo’s right ankle and an elastic support for his left, temporarily confining him to a wheelchair. "Next Monday we will carry out more tests and make a detailed evaluation of the injuries suffered to both ankles,” commented Doctor Mir.

Lorenzo lies second in the MotoGP World Championship after taking a victory, a second place, a third and a fourth from the opening four rounds. He now faces a battle to be fit for the next chapter of his incredible rookie story - the Grand Prix of France at Le Mans on 18th May.

humm... I think he can and will... but I wonder how well he'll do... I say he'll do be in the top 10 MAYBE top 5... but no podium unless Rossi and Pedrosa wreck