Lorenzo confirms Silverstone return

After a four-race absence, Jorge Lorenzo will return from injury at this weekend's British MotoGP.

The Spaniard has been sidelined since fractures to his T6 and T8 vertebrae at Assen, the latest in a string of injuries stretching back to September last year.

Throw in continued difficulties adapting to the RC213V and the triple MotoGP champion is yet to claim a top ten finish in Repsol Honda colours, although a combative early showing in the Catalunya race provided hope of progress.

But another big fall in the post-race test meant Lorenzo was already sore when he was sent bouncing at high-speed through the Assen gravel trap, sustaining the back damage.

“It is very good to be back with the Repsol Honda Team, it has been a long time since Assen," Lorenzo said. "I would have liked to have been back sooner, but the nature of the injury meant I had to take my time.

"While away from the track, I have been working hard to be as ready as possible for Silverstone but I know it will take some time to get back up to speed. I am pleased and ready to be back with the team so we can keep improving and get the results we know we can achieve.”

The 32-year-old has been the subject of multiple rumours during his recovery - possible retirement, a return to Ducati and a switch to Petronas Yamaha - but is now expected to stay for the second year of his HRC contract.

Team-mate Marc Marquez leads the world championship by 58-points. Lorenzo took one of his most memorable victories when he beat Marquez in a last-lap showdown at Silverstone in 2013.