Ogura's Misano return depends on two medical checks

Ai Ogura is due to undergo an X-ray check on Tuesday on his left thumb, which was operated on August 27 after an injury sustained while training in Japan.

The Barcelona examination is the first step. It must determine whether the Trackhouse rider can travel to Misano. If cleared to travel, he will still need final medical approval on Thursday from MotoGP medical director Dr Ángel Charte.

Trackhouse has entered him provisionally for the San Marino Grand Prix. If he cannot race, Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori is expected to replace him, as in Aragón.

That two-stage process means simply being present in the paddock would not guarantee a return to the bike.

Ogura is fifth in the championship with 203 points, 53 behind Jorge Martín. He had still been second before the summer break, but his Silverstone crash and absence from Aragón pushed him back.

Returning at Misano would limit the loss of rhythm, but the sporting stakes remain secondary to the condition of his thumb. Heavy braking and rapid changes of direction make an early comeback potentially costly to recovery.