Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre will make his highly-anticipated return from injury this weekend at the MXGP of Portugal, marking round six of the 2019 MXGP World Championship.

The former world champion underwent surgery following Argentina’s season-opener in March, where he severely damaged his ankle in a moto two crash.

“I’m excited to start racing again,” said Febvre. “My foot is not yet 100 percent as it is expected to take a few more weeks for the mobility to improve. I still have pain sometimes, but it is not too bad.

“I think it has been nine weeks since the operation and I realise that I need a starting point to return to racing, even if it is not 100 percent because there is no guaranteed time frame in which it will be 100 percent.

“I can’t wait for it, because I will lose too much time. I look forward to returning in Portugal. I like the track there, so I look forward to rediscovering my speed and to start rebuilding my race condition.”

Febvre’s seat was briefly occupied by three-time Australian champion Dean Ferris, however a minor knee injury sustained in his first appearance at Matterley Basin saw him immediately return home, leaving the position vacant. Ferris has since signed with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.