Indianapolis MotoGP
Date: 28-29 August
Saturday 28 August Qualifying: 1750-2100, BBC Red Button and Online
Sunday 29 August: 1945-2100, BBC Three
 Aoyama has been out of action for nine weeks after his crash at Silverstone |
Japanese rider Hiroshi Aoyama has been given the all-clear to return to action at Sunday's Indianapolis MotoGP after fracturing a vertebra at Silverstone. The 250cc world champion came off his Interwetten Honda during the warm-up lap for the British Grand Prix in June. "I had another x-ray and the doctor confirmed that my broken vertebra looks good and did not change shape, which is essential at this stage," he said. "I got the okay to ride and I can't wait to get back on my bike." Having missed six races, Aoyama has slipped to 17th in the list of 21 riders who have competed in the championship this season.  | 606: DEBATE |
His best result so far in his debut elite-class season is a 10th-place finish in the opening race in Qatar. The Japanese rider said he was not overly concerned about results at the moment and was more interested in getting to grips with the bike again. "Of course I want to be fast but first I have to gain my confidence and feeling with the bike once more, then I can concentrate on being fast," he said. "It will not be easy to ride with the group again after such a long time away, but step by step I will get there as I regain the strength I had at the start of the season. "I missed six races, which is a lot, and I have to see how I can cope with the situation after such a long time and how I can cope with the pain level."
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