Valentino Rossi has suffered a nasty break to his right tibia during practice at Mugello. The break was described by Yamaha’s press team as “displaced and exposed” – which is about as far as you can get from a ‘clean break’.
The press statement in full:
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“Valentino Rossi has suffered a displaced and exposed fracture of his right tibia after crashing in practice for the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello this morning. The reigning World Champion crashed his Fiat Yamaha M1 at turn thirteen, the fast chicane at the top of the hill, and was taken immediately to the circuit Medical Centre for x-rays. Further information will be made public as soon as a more detailed examination has been completed. Rossi will not take any further part in this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.”
Vale has already been operated on, and the surgeon described is as a very ‘ugly’ fracture. The most optimistic estimates suggest he could be back within three months – but others suggest that a return within 2010 is highly unlikely.
Could this be the end of Rossi’s career? You have to wonder how strong his motivation will be for a return this year, or in 2011.
See more from the BBC here, and from the Yamaha Racing website here.
Get well soon Vale.
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