Valentino Rossi’s recent motocross training accident makes his participation in his home race at Mugello this weekend questionable. Here is the most recent quote from Rossi, who has been recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital:
“Unfortunately I crashed while I was training on a motocross bike. The pain in the abdomen and in the chest is still severe. Fortunatley, my condition is improving day by day and this allows me to think a bit more positively about the Mugello weekend. My desire to be at the start of the Italian GP is so strong and I’m working on recovering as soon as possible. It will not be easy but I still have a few days to continue the treatment. On Thursday I will have to do the medical check-up to get the OK to go on the track. If all is well, I will ride my YZR-M1 on Friday to really understand my condition. I will do my best to be on track Sunday, for sure.”
After his DNF at the prior round in France, Rossi has fallen to third place in the championship, 23 points behind Yamaha teammate Maverick Viñales. Needless to say, if Rossi sits out the Mugello round, it could severely hamper his title hopes this year. Stay tuned for Mugello coverage here on MD.
Thursday Update:
Rossi underwent a medical examination at the Mugello circuit on Thursday and has been declared fit to ride by doctors representing the FIM, MotoGP and the Mugello track. This does not resolve, of course, how Rossi will feel on the bike when practice begins tomorrow.
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My guess is he’ll just be trying to salvage as many points as possible, without taking too many risks. I suspect he’s just trying to stay within reasonable striking distance of Vinales and the others, so he doesn’t fall too far behind in the points race. He will probably be happy with a top 5 or 10 finish in this one, and keeping the bike upright.
just off the wire, VR46 has been declared FIT TO RACE…!!!
though not to be confused with VR46 will be “racing at his best”.
what training do you suppose they do on a mx bike to get better on a gp bike?
Go ahead and google “Valentino Rossi ranch.”
Q: what training do you suppose they do on a mx bike to get better on a gp bike?
A: double backs…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaBlzrMCmM8
Rossi’s been doing this awhile. While I’m sure he’s sore, he is also probably not wanting his competition to know his true health. Underestimating Rossi never works out well.
This is what I was thinking. Racecraft extending beyond the edge of the track…
Seems like a meaningless attempt if that is indeed what he is doing. Vinales, Pedrosa and Marquez are in good form, so it isn’t like any of those guys are going to be holding anything back regardless of Rossi’s condition.
A couple of shots of Geretol, a Viagra or two and he’ll be raring to go.
He will be ready.. 5 hour energy might help 🙂
He’s a tough old goat.
He’s looked “down” ever since Nicky’s accident. I’m sure that’s on his mind too.
Good point. Even during the French GP presentation when he was talking about Nicky in the hospital, you can see he was quite distracted and emotional. Hopefully he recovers physically and mentally.
Perhaps a little bit of a mind game. It wouldn’t surprise me if he does quite well in the race.
My first thought too.
Yup.
Does he suffer from allergies? I bet it hurts like crazy if he sneezes..
Noooooooo!
Bad news when things were starting to look better for Rossi this year. Hopefully he can race and get a good spot.