Rossi: "It's a big pity that I can't be at my home GP"

The recovery time isn't short, but I will do everything I can to get back on track as soon as possible.

Valentino Rossi: "It's a big pity that I can't be at my home GP. For sure, I was really looking forward to the round in Misano, because riding in front of the fans there is something very special, but I have to treat the injury with care. I know the team is supporting me during the rehabilitation process. Fortunately I'm fine, I'm not too bad and I've already managed to start some light physiotherapy. The recovery time isn't short, but I will do everything I can to get back on track as soon as possible. I have to say thanks to everyone for the affection you have shown me during these days. See you soon!"
#SanMarinoGP 🇸🇲


MAVERICK VIÑALES : Unfortunately we will arrive at the Misano Grand Prix without my teammate Valentino and it's a big shame. I know it’s a very special GP for him, as it's his home race, and it will not be the same if he’s not there. I wish him a quick recovery and hope to have him back in the garage as soon as possible. We are very motivated after the podium at Silverstone, we’re working in the right direction again. I'm starting to have the same feeling on my M1 that I had at the beginning of the season and that gives me a lot of calm and allows me to focus on continuing to get points in each race. It's very positive that we were able to give a good performance in the test at the Misano track some weeks ago and we improved a lot of things on the set-up, so I will try as always to give my 100% to bring a new victory to Yamaha.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI: After the test in Misano, almost three weeks ago, we had a really good race weekend at the Silverstone Circuit. Maverick is confident and he's 100% focused, as always, on getting as many points as possible in this weekend's race. As the championship standings are bunched up again, we're really looking forward to this next round. The whole team loves Misano, not only because the track is amazing, but the atmosphere there is something special and the San Marino Grand Prix is also a second “home race” for the team. However, Vale’s accident has cast a bit of a grey cloud over the event. Our team will miss Valentino. We wish him all the best and look forward to having him back as soon as possible.

 Valentino Rossi, the 9-time MotoGP world champion had suffered a crash while motocross riding last Thursday. The Doctor ended up breaking his fibula and Tibia in the right leg while he was riding down a slope on his enduro bike. Rossi underwent surgery on his right leg successfully and was discharged on Saturday. The surgery included a nail insertion into the displaced fracture of his Tibia. But thanks to the risk of bone infection and his open surgical wound, he will not be participating in the upcoming San Marino GP, which will be held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, barely 20 kilometres away from his home town of Tavullia.

With Rossi missing the action at Misano, Movistar Yamaha will field only Maverick Vinales at the upcoming MotoGP race. The rulebook says that a MotoGP team must try to replace an injured rider only if they have 10 days' notice. It is highly likely that the Doctor might miss out on the next MotoGP round on the calendar, which is at Aragon, Spain in a couple of weeks' time.

In that case, the replacement rider will most likely be Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who is a test rider for the Movistar Yamaha team. He has participated in seven MotoGP races since 2011 and races in the All-Japan Superbike race series. The 36 year old Japanese veteran will not be able to replace Rossi at Misano as he will be racing for his All-Japan Superbike Race team.

Rossi is currently 26 points behind compatriot Andrea Dovizioso after 12 races in the 2017 MotoGP calendar. With his current injury, it is highly doubtful that the 38-year old MotoGP legend will be able to get his hands on a tenth championship.