Spain’s top motocrosser Jose Butron has yet to shine in the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship and an injury to his right thumb means that the MXGP rookie is in a race to be fully fit by the time of his home Grand Prix at Talavera de la Reina on May 10.
The Marchetti Racing KTM Team rider yanked his right hand in the second moto in Thailand and was unable to ride or train properly before the Argentinian round where he could only claim two 18th position finishes on the 350SX-F.
“In the second moto in Thailand I had a crash and did some damage to the right ligament in my thumb,” the 23 year old explains. “I had a scan and nothing was broken, just stress to the ligament. I visited the MotoGP Clinica Mobile in Italy and they said the pain in my right hand could last up to two months because I need to use the throttle and cope with the bumps.”
“I’ve been training on the bicycle and running but nothing on the bike and that is where I am suffering at the moment. I took some anti-inflammatory tablets in Argentina and I didn’t have any pain but I was missing speed. I also think a fast circuit like that was definitely better for the 450s and only a rider like Cairoli can make the difference on a 350.”
Butron is another of the MX2 rookies in the MXGP category for 2015 and the former podium finisher and lightening starter on the 250s is being realistic about his goals in his first season at the highest level. “In Qatar and the first moto in Thailand I met my objective of being inside the top 15,” he said. “I think when we get back to Europe and to circuits I know then I will be able to run inside the top 10-15. I hope I can train hard the week before Arco.”
With countryman Jorge Zaragoza patiently recovering from a back injury before he can launch his HRC MX2 season and the KTM factory supported Jorge Prado yet to dazzle in European EMX125 competition, Butron is once again Spain’s main hope at Grand Prix.
Last year the rider from Seville was lauded at Talavera and enjoyed buoyant support as he chased a top three result and the KTM stalwart will be hoping to be healthy in order to give a good account for what will be the sixth round of 18 in May.
