Phillip Island, 18 October: the LCR Honda racer Stefan Bradl has been declared unfit after a second medical check straight after he completed FP1. The 23-year-old from Germany took to the Australian race track this morning for the free session one and was only capable of riding his RC213V for 11 laps. The second medical exam carried out by Dr. Brent May (Chief Medical Officer of the Australian circuit) and Doctor Michele Macchiagodena (MotoGP Medical Director) revealed that Bradl needs more time to complete his full recovery.

Stefan: “There was a very small chance for me to ride here and we knew it would have been much better in Japan but I wanted to try anyway. Of course it was painful and even the mobility of the ankle is not perfect yet: this is the reason why I have been declared unfit and I agree with them. I had injections and painkillers this morning but I was too slow on the track and this is too risky for me and also for the other riders. The Clinica Mobile staff made an excellent job and I could jump on the bike only five days after the surgery so I want to thank them because they are helping me to heal quickly. I am frustrated but I have done the impossible to be back here: now we will concentrate to be as close to 100% fit as we can for Japan”.