Brno MotoGP: Randy de Puniet vows to brave pain

Heroic Randy de Puniet has vowed to ride on and contest Sunday’s Czech Republic MotoGP race despite nearly suffering what would have been a disastrous crash during opening practice today.

Making a stunning comeback in Brno today just 26 days after breaking his left leg in two places at the recent Sachsenring clash in Germany, the Frenchman set the 16th quickest time. 

The 29-year-old, a 2011 target for Suzuki’s factory squad, posted a best time of 2.00.184 to finish 2.969s adrift of Jorge Lorenzo’s Fiat Yamaha YZR-M1 in first position.

But the LCR Honda rider, who only passed a medical to ride 24 hours earlier, came close to a high-side crash after just three laps of this afternoon’s session.

The former factory Kawasaki rider said: “I knew that it would not be easy so this is exactly what I was expecting. Everybody thinks I came back too early but I feel fit even though my leg aches especially when changing gear.

“However I think I can improve my physical condition session by session and hopefully the pain will be less and less. Today I did not get any painkillers but unfortunately I suffered a small high-side after few laps and hurt my leg on the bike. That was very painful! The guys moved the shift pedal to make me more comfortable and I am confident we can improve step by step”.

After his near crash this afternoon, de Puniet needed two injections in the circuit medical centre but insisted he will be fit to start Sunday’s 22-lap clash.