250s: Locatelli goes under

The 33-year-old Italian had a screw, which was inserted in his left ankle in March following a horror crash at Jerez, removed as well as a cleaning-up job done on some other areas.

Locatelli had been in danger of brain damage and losing both his feet following the crash, in which he went straight on at the Peluqui corner after blacking out on his Gilera.

But, following two weeks in a coma and some reconstructive surgery, he was able to return to action within two months, albeit at a slower pace than normal.

The latest operation should mean that the 125cc world champion of 2000, should be able to resume his career without any more hitches next season. He will stay with the works Gilera squad alongside Marco Simoncelli.