Tito Rabat’s recovery is finally looking to be nearing its end. The Reale Avintia Racing rider is working hard to get back on his Ducati machine after a freak accident at Silverstone caused the 2014 Moto2™ World Champion to suffer fractures to his right femur, tibia and fibula.
motogp.com caught up with the Spaniard to get an update on his recovery, when he’ll be back on the bike and his plans for next season.
Recovery progress: “It’s been really slow. Every day is different. There are weeks that are better and others worse. Last week was a bit worse and we’ve gone backwards. I still can’t change without a crutch I used to have to do it with two but now I just need one. It’s important to maintain consistency and keep the muscles working. It’s difficult because you have to start almost from zero.”
Onwards and upwards: “It’s tough, mentally and physically. Both go together. It all depends on what you can do. What you feel better, you’re more upbeat, but when it’s hurting a lot you feel like you’re going backwards, that’s mentally hard. I have ups and downs, but I always keep positive. This week has been the best of them all.”
Deadlines draw near: “I’m in a race against the clock to try to be in Valencia. We spoke with Dr Charte about the possibility of going to Valencia and he supports me in this. If he’d have asked me last week, I would have said we’ll see, but this week, if I continue like this, I believe I can go. It’s still in doubt, but the bone is healing well and it will depend if I feel capable of riding. What I think about is getting on the bike, but I have to do it in the right conditions.”
Contracts and next year: “We’re yet to make the public announcement but the discussions are closed. Next year I will have a 2018 bike, a good bike, with all the help from Ducati. It’s an important improvement to be able to be nearer the front and more competitive. We’ll have the parts for the Valencia test, so I’m very excited.”
On Jordi Torres: “He’s doing well. He’s definitely able to be in MotoGP™ and hold his own, coming from Superbikes, where the bikes are completely different, I think it’s fantastic. He’s showing how good he is and he’s doing really well.”