Marco Melandri’s focus to forget about the last two events will see the Italian try and race through the pain this weekend, as he prepares for the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya while still healing from a dislocated shoulder incurred only a week ago.

A highside smash in the second practice last Friday at Assen ended in much discomfort and agony for Melandri as he dislocated his left shoulder, missing the event. Having crashed in the prior round at Silverstone, the 27 year old will not be laid down for the upcoming seventh round at Catalunya, he has undertaken major physiotherapy to ensure he can compete.

"I’m going to Barcelona with the clear objective of putting the disappointments of Silverstone and Assen behind me,” says Melandri. “I will obviously have to wait and see how I feel on the bike after such a big crash in Holland but my determination to race again is huge.”

“I have had a lot of treatment on the shoulder since Saturday and even though I still won’t be at peak physical fitness I am determined to get back out on track. I really want to build on the progress we made in practice at Assen, where we confirmed our recent progress with the set-up of the bike.”

Doctor Giuseppe Porcellini made another assessment on Meladri recently and stated he will need further checks on the ligaments around his collarbone and shoulder. These tests will occur after Barcelona this weekend, therefore Melandri has been cleared to ride.

“I hope I am fit and able to continue the recent good work we’ve been doing so that we can have more to be pleased with by the end of the weekend,” adds Melandri.  He has enjoyed progress in his results over the initial four rounds prior to Silverstone, claiming a fifth spot at home in Mugello. The Italian also gained his first premier class stage appearance at Catalunya in 2004.