Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo, second in the MotoGP championship, has been cleared to race in Sunday's French Grand Prix after injuring both his ankles in a crash in China less than two weeks ago.

The 21-year-old's Yamaha team said in a statement that both ankles were healing well.

"Not enough time has passed yet for the injuries to fully heal but Jorge's pain threshold will allow him to compete without too much risk this weekend," doctor Xavier Mir of Barcelona's Dexeus Institute said.

Lorenzo finished 4th in the Chinese Grand Prix last time out, despite having to ride with a fractured ankle.

He currently trails compatriot Daniel Pedrosa by seven points in the overall standings.

Reuters