Aleix Espargaro has given a positive update on his fractured heel as we head into the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend in MotoGP.

The championship returned in fine style a fortnight ago after the summer break, with the British Grand Prix providing an opportunity for Pecco Bagnaia to keep up his good form and continue to close the gap in the championship.

Indeed, Fabio Quartararo and Aleix Espargaro could only finish 8th and 9th respectively at Silverstone and many are starting to see the title race as a three-way arrangement, which certainly hasn't been the case for much of the year.

Espargaro, of course, has been in the fight from the very beginning but there were concerns for him after he fractured his heel at Silverstone, and obviously what impact that could have on his campaign.

SCARPERIA, ITALY - MAY 29: Aleix Espargaro of Spain and Aprilia Racing lifts the front wheel during the MotoGP Race during the MotoGP of Italy - Race at Mugello Circuit on May 29, 2022 in Scarperia, Italy. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)

He has made a decent recovery, though, which means it shouldn't impact his riding too much, with him having this to say during the press conference ahead of the weekend:

"I feel good, I feel good. During these last 10 days, I recovered quite a lot. When I walk, it still hurts quite a little bit, but luckily I don’t have to walk; I have a bike to ride, so I think it’s going to be okay. It was a shame, Silverstone, because at both Silverstone and Assen, I felt strong enough to fight for the victory and I didn’t finish on the podium in either race. So, I can’t wait to go out on-track tomorrow here in Austria and try to fight again on top."

Positive news for Aleix, Aprilia and his supporters who want to see him pull off a stunning championship win, then, and he'll be looking to start building some momentum with a positive result this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.