Zarco is cleared to return, but only through FP1

Johann Zarco has been medically cleared for Aragon's opening free-practice session, his first MotoGP weekend appearance since his crash in Catalonia in May. His left-knee ligament injuries were treated without surgery, and his progress allowed a return initially targeted for September to be brought forward.

The clearance is conditional. The LCR Honda rider will be examined again immediately after FP1 before doctors decide whether he can continue through the weekend. The assessment will be less about one lap time than how the knee reacts to braking, changes of direction and a complete session.

Honda may recover its most experienced rider, but his Sprint and Grand Prix participation is not yet assured. Friday's reassessment, rather than his mere presence at the start of FP1, is therefore the decisive information.