Johann Zarco cleared for Aragon MotoGP return after ligament injuries

Here is the thing, my friends: Johann Zarco is finally back. The Castrol Honda Lcr rider is stepping back into a MotoGP weekend for the first time since May as he prepares to head out of the pit lane at MotorLand Aragon. The #5 machine has been officially given the all-clear to ride in Friday's Free Practice 1 session after suffering from ligament injuries in a crash at the Catalan GP.

Now, his initial target was a return in September. Thankfully, the Frenchman was able to ramp up his workload over recent weeks, getting valuable time in on a supermoto bike and a Honda CBR1000RR to test his recovery. That preparation led directly to Thursday, when he underwent a mandatory medical check at Aragon and successfully secured the green light to take part in Friday morning's opening session for the Michelin Grand Prix of Aragon.

That said, the job is not entirely finished yet. Zarco will face further medical checks immediately following that opening session to determine if he is fit to continue taking part in the subsequent track action for the rest of the weekend.