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Melandri determined to race in Spain

Marco Melandri is optimistic that he will be fit enough to race in this weekend's Catalunya Grand Prix despite dislocating his shoulder at Assen last Friday

The Gresini Honda rider had to miss the Dutch TT after suffering the injury in a high-side in final practice.

Melandri has been given medical clearance to compete at Catalunya and hope his fitness will hold up through the weekend. He will then undergo further tests after the race to assess the condition of the shoulder.

"I'm going to Barcelona with the clear objective of putting the disappointments of Silverstone and Assen behind me," said Melandri.

"I will obviously have to wait and see how I feel on the bike after such a big crash in Holland but my determination to race again is huge."

He warned that it was highly unlikely he would be on top form in Spain so soon after the injury.

"I have had a lot of treatment on the shoulder since Saturday and even though I still won't be at peak physical fitness I am determined to get back out on track," Melandri said.

"I really want to build on the progress we made in practice at Assen, where we confirmed our recent progress with the set-up of the bike. I hope I am fit and able to continue the recent good work we've been doing so that we can have more to be pleased with by the end of the weekend."

His team boss Fausto Gresini does not think the crash will not derail Melandri's season, as he had become much competitive in recent races after a disappointing start to 2010.

"Up until the crash practice went well at Silverstone and Assen and he looked set to be running up front," Gresini said. "It didn't turn out to be the case but his confidence is so high right now that if he is fit then Melandri will be competitive again at Montmelo."

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