A dislocated left shoulder will prevent the Spanish rider from taking
part in the second and final IRTA official MotoGP test session at Jerez
de la Frontera.
Bologna, Wednesday 23 March 2005 - The consequences of Carlos Checa's
crash on Saturday 19 March during the IRTA test session at Barcelona are
more serious than first thought. What appeared to be bruising to his
left shoulder is now affecting the final pre-season tests of the Ducati
Marlboro Team rider, who will be forced to rest for a few more days.
Despite intense physiotherapy, the Spanish rider, who also missed last
Sunday's final session at Barcelona for the same reason, will not be fit
for the forthcoming IRTA test, scheduled for March 25-27 at Jerez.
The medical team at the Deux Eus hospital in Barcelona carried out an
MRI scan on Checa to evaluate the state of his current injuries, and
noted evidence of a dislocation of the left shoulder.
The medical report refers to a period of rest of at least two weeks,
during which time the Spanish rider will continue with the physiotherapy
he is already carrying out at the C.A.R. fitness centre in S. Cugat.
"I am really sorry that I can't take part in the final test session
before the start of the championship. I wanted to test on the track that
will be the venue for the first round of the season but the doctors
advised me against it and I prefer not to run the risk of worsening the
situation" declared Carlos Checa. "My leg is not giving me any problems
but my shoulder is not yet healed: when it's at rest it doesn't bother
me, but as soon as I move it I can feel a lot of pain.
Luckily in November we already did some testing at Jerez, with positive
results, and this is some consolation in view of the first round which
will be held there. I will continue the physiotherapy every day because
I want to be fully fit for April 10".
As a result Loris Capirossi will be the only rider from the Ducati
Marlboro Team to take part in the final winter test and carry on the
development work of the Desmosedici GP5 and Bridgestone tyres in view of
the opening round. Test rider Vittoriano Guareschi and the Development
Team will also be present at Jerez.
