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MotoGP
Incredible MotoGP comebacks
Jorge Lorenzo showed in Assen what some riders will do in order to deny their rivals any advantage.
There was a lot to take in from the Dutch Grand Prix. After resounding evidence of the fact that Valentino Rossi 'still has it' and further indication that Marc Márquez is something of a phenomenon, there was also a timely reminder of just how tough – physically and mentally – a breed MotoGP riders really are.
After Jorge Lorenzo's exploits redbull.com decided to take a quick look back through some of the most impressive efforts through gritted teeth put on by riders over the past few seasons...
Jorge Lorenzo feels the pain at Assen
© Photo courtesy of Yamaha Racing
Jorge Lorenzo: Assen 2013
The latest in a long line of hardy men to climb back on two wheels when the rest of us were wincing...
Lorenzo broke his left collarbone on Thursday afternoon in a crash in free practice, flew to Barcelona the same day, was operated on in the early hours of Friday morning and then returned to the track in the Netherlands in the afternoon. After passing fitness tests on Saturday morning he rode in the race and placed fifth, just 48 hours after picking up the injury and a mere 36 hours after having a titanium plate and eight screws inserted into the bone.
It would have been impossible to believe some minutes after my crash that this could happen... This fifth position is better than any victory I have had in my career.
Casey Stoner addresses the media at Brno
© Photo courtesy of Repsol Honda team
Casey Stoner: Indianapolis 2012
The Australian trailed Lorenzo by 32 points when the Championship arrived at Indy for Round 11 of the 2012 campaign, and was pushing hard to cut the deficit in a bid to defend his title. In qualifying he highsided and landed hard, fracturing and chipping bones in his right ankle as well as sustaining multiple ligament tears.
Despite the extent of the damage Stoner still rode in the race, and only just lost out on a podium position to Andrea Dovizioso in the later stages of the race. Surgery was required however and Stoner then had to sit out three races, which just added to the incredulity that he had been able to ride with such injuries.
It's the first time in my career that I haven't been able to get up and walk away from an accident myself. As soon as I stood up, I looked down and saw my foot was at a strange angle to my leg.
Colin Edwards winces on the podium at Silverstone
© Photo courtesy of Yamaha Racing
Colin Edwards: Silverstone 2011
Edwards took a heavy fall in Friday practice at the Catalonia GP and broke his right collarbone, and was operated on in Barcelona the following day. He made his way to the circuit on Sunday with the intention of riding, if only to maintain his record of never missing a race since his debut in MotoGP in 2003, but was denied by the medical staff.
A disappointed Edwards, with a plate and seven screws in his right shoulder, turned his attentions to the next round at Silverstone five days later, and after managing to qualify an impressive eighth on the starting grid the American took a podium in difficult wet conditions just 9 days after getting injured.
“I really don't know what to say... The collarbone wasn't the real issue, I separated the muscle from my ribs and that's what's really hurting!
Today was unbearable, it was hard to keep the thing on two wheels! We didn't even try the set-up I raced on all weekend, but it worked out!
Valentino Rossi collects his crutches off the bike
© Photo courtesy of Yamaha Racing
Valentino Rossi: Sachsenring 2010
The Doctor suffered a horrific leg break at his home GP at Mugello, Round 4 of the 2010 season, when he crashed during practice. A displaced and exposed fracture of the right tibia required two operations, and an injury that would have sidelined many for months kept Rossi off the bike for just four weeks as he rode a test at Misano prior to his race return at the German GP.
41 days after breaking his leg Rossi rolled out for practice at the Sachsenring, and come race day he finished fourth after fighting Stoner all the way to the finish line for the final podium spot.
I think I did a great job and this was a very good comeback, better than we could wish for.
“I felt a bit of pain in my shoulder but more in the leg when changing direction, but at the end the battle with Casey was such fun that I didn't think about it. Unfortunately though he just got the better of me on the last corner.”
