Joy and pain for Rolfo

Italtrans STR rider Roberto Rolfo’s start to the season was dealt a blow at the Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday, when the Italian dislocated his shoulder. Rolfo had been the fastest rider on Wednesday on his Suter bike, but a hard fall on Thursday morning ended his test early.

He told motogp.com: “I was coming into turn four and I don’t know exactly what happened. The surface under the bridge was a bit wet and I went into a puddle. I lost control of the bike and could not avoid it. I wasn’t travelling at great speed, but I fell and dislocated my shoulder. I hope to return soon.”

Rolfo visited the medical centre at the track and then went to the Clinica Dexeus in Barcelona, where his shoulder was put back into place under anaesthetic.

He continued: “Tomorrow I return home to Lugano, and in the afternoon I’ll travel to Italy to see Dr Porcellini. Then I’ll hope to have a clearer idea about my recovery. I hope to return for the test in Valencia on March 1.”

Less optimistic forecasts for his recovery have stated four weeks, which would compromise his pre-season preparations. Spanish rider Carmelo Morales rode Rolfo’s bike on Thursday afternoon at Montmeló.