Federici delays return to racing.

Initial expectations for Team Yamaha Axo Chesterfield rider Claudio Federici to start his GP season this coming weekend at Bellpuig, Spain - Round 2 of the Motocross 250 World Championship - have proven to be too optimistic.

The 26-year-old Italian had hoped to be recovered from injuries he sustained to his right knee during the opening round of the Italian Championship in early February, five weeks before the start of the World Championship. But, unfortunately Federici missed the opening round in Valkenswaard and now the prolonged treatment and healing have forced him to further delay his return to racing.

Federici has undergone two operations, one on his outer knee ligament and a second on the nerve that controls the upward movement of his right foot. Both treatments were successful, though the muscles in and around Federici's knee require an extended rehabilitation period to strengthen after almost two month of inactivity.

Since April 3rd he has been able to train on a bicycle and hopes to be riding his YZ250M again within a few weeks. After that a definitive decision will be made as to the exact date of his return to racing.