Stefan Bradl confident of full fitness for MotoGP finale

The German fought through to finish fifth at Motegi, his first race since fracturing his ankle in a bizarre practice crash at Sepang two weeks ago.

He had attempted to return at Phillip Island, just four days after having surgery on his ankle, but after a low-key first practice he was then ruled out for the remainder of the weekend.

Bradl, who still has a chance of denying Alvaro Bautista and finishing as Honda's top satellite rider in the championship, expects to have fully recovered in time for the November 10 finale.

"I felt a little bit of pain during the race [at Motegi], when my right leg was kind of pumping the muscle," he said.

"But I think I should be back in 100 per cent condition for Valencia.

"Considering I was in hospital two weeks ago, we managed to do a good weekend and I'm happy - a good comeback.

"It was a strange weekend: directly going to qualifying, damp conditions and having one practice before the race.

"Unfortunately, I made too mistakes under braking - that is why Bautista made the gap and I was not able to get any closer.

"I think fifth position is OK and that I can be happy."

Cal Crutchlow has already secured top satellite honours in fifth overall, having built up an unassailable 28-point lead over Bautista with one race to go.

Bradl meanwhile is 14 points down the road in seventh, having led Bautista by 10 points prior to his Sepang fall.