Jacque confirmed for Italian GP

The Kawasaki team have confirmed that Frenchman Olivier Jacque will return to racing action at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Mugello

Kawasaki said Jacque, who was replaced by Fonsi Nieto in France, has regained full strength in his damaged right arm, but is still suffering discomfort as a result of the burn injuries sustained in his crash during practice for the Chinese Grand Prix.

"It was so hard for me to withdraw from the race in Le Mans, my home Grand Prix, because of my injured arm but it was physically impossible for me to race," said Jacque.

"I saw it on television, though, and I was so proud of the Kawasaki Racing Team's performance during practice, qualifying and the beginning of the race.

"Anyway, now I am ready to get back on the bike. The doctor removed the stitches from my arm last week and since then I have worked really hard, following an intense programme of physiotherapy. I've recovered the strength in the arm and, even though it's still stiff, I can almost extend it fully.

"I am fit enough to ride a MotoGP bike at a good level. The Ninja ZX-RR has showed its potential and the Bridgestone tyres have been highly competitive since the beginning of the season. Now it is our turn and Mugello is one of my favourite tracks."

Teammate Randy de Puniet will also return to action following his crash while leading the French Grand Prix.

The Frenchman was forced to miss the two-day post-race test after injuring his shoulder.

"Crashing in Le Mans was such a shame," he said. "I was confident I could get a good result at my home GP, and I lead the race, but once again, I didn't finish. What is more, as a result of the crash, my right shoulder was damaged and I couldn't complete our two-day testing programme afterwards.

"Thanks to the doctor and the physiotherapy I've had since then, I'm now almost fully fit. I will need to check the situation when I get on the bike on Friday but I hope there won't be any problems regarding riding."