LCR Honda's Stefan Bradl is targeting a return to the MotoGP championship at Motegi in two weeks after breaking his ankle in a slow-speed crash during the final MotoGP free practice session at Sepang today.
The German lost the front of his RC213V at turn one and slid off but his leg was caught up in the fake grass which is laid on the side of the track it the tangle resulted in a fracture. He will undergo an operation tonight at the Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Centre supervised by Doctor Alberto Busilacchi (Mobil Clinic Orthopedic Surgeon) and Doctor Enric Caceres (Dorna Medical Team).
"It was not a big crash, I just lose the front in turn one and I slide away. There was that green carpet which come up when the handlebar or my foot touch it and then I broke part of the ankle," said Bradl, speaking at Sepang.
"It is really unlucky because of that part of the carpet. Normally, you walk away and take out your second bike to go again but I can do nothing.
"There is a small chance I can ride in Australia. We will try but we are speaking with the doctor and then we will make a solution. Definitely, I will try to be back in Japan."
Valentino Rossi has said he will try to get the carpet removed before tomorrow's race while Marc Marquez added it will be discussed in the next safety commission meeting.
