Jeremy Mc
Williams has been declared fit to make his 2007 debut for Ilmor, alongside team-mate Andrew Pitt, during the three-day Qatar test that starts on Tuesday.
The Ulsterman suffered multiple injuries at November's Jerez test - including a fractured left femur, suspected fractured collarbone and the loss of a fingertip - all of which McWilliams has played down, while working tirelessly to return to form as quickly as possible.
"I had some minor work to my damaged leg on Friday in Ireland, they fiddled around with the screws in my knee to make it easier for me to train and ride," said the former 250GP winner. "I've made good progress in the past few weeks and I'm feeling really strong, I can't wait to get back on the bike. It's been so frustrating being out since November, I've been in constant contact with the team and Andrew but nothing compares to actually getting out there and putting the bike through its paces.
"I think we're all realistic and the biggest problem we have at the moment is a lack of track time, the start of the season will be upon us before we know it so every day counts. We made great progress in Jerez before the incident so I hope we can continue going forward and see a significant improvement in Qatar and
Jerez."
Team principal Mario Illien admits Ilmor were disappointed by their pace last week in Sepang, but hopes they can bounce back in Qatar.
"I'm pleased and surprised at the speed of Jeremy's recovery, he's dedicated himself to getting fit again as quickly and safely as possible. Andrew has done a good job without him but it will be great to have both of them back out on the track," he began. "I know that the team were a little disappointed with the test in Sepang, everyone is working incredibly hard and sometimes you don't progress as fast as you would like but I believe in persistence and we are at the start of a long journey in terms of development, no one is expecting overnight miracles – slow, steady progress is our goal. I'm expecting good things from both riders in Qatar."
