Ducati’s Marco Melandri Knee Injury Update
While playing in a charity soccer game Sunday in memory of Doriano Romboni, an Italian motorcycling Grand Prix rider who died in November 2013 due to injuries sustained in a racing crash, Marco Melandri injured his right knee.
The 34-year-old Italian, who returns to World Superbike with Aruba.it – Ducati Team following a two-year hiatus from the series, tore his meniscus (cartilage in the knee), a common sports injury.
With the winter testing ban now in place, Melandri immediately underwent surgery, which was successfully performed Wednesday by Professor Catani at Policlinico of Modena. Melandir now starts rehabilitation to get back into shape for the first World Superbike tests of 2017 January 24-25 in Jerez.
Speaking after the surgery, Melandri says “Looking on the bright side, perhaps I was lucky to encounter this issue at this time of the year, when both the championship and tests are over.
“It’s better to pay my dues with bad luck now, when we have all the time to recover. I was simply walking on the field when I felt a crack, so it’s safe to say it would have only been a matter of time before this injury happened. I will start rehabilitation right away, and in 8-10 days I shall be able to walk without crutches already. I can’t wait to be back on my Panigale R.”
Melandri, who will pilot the #33 Ducati next to Chaz Davies (#34), spent a total of four years competing full time in World Superbike (2011, Yamaha, 2nd overall; 2012, BMW 3rd; 2013 BMW, 4th; 2014 Aprilia, 4th). Throughout his career, he claimed 19 wins and 49 overall podiums in 100 races.