Rossi Crash Update
Defending MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi sustained minor injuries while training on a motocross bike at the La Cava circuit near Pesaro, Italy, on Thursday.
Italian news reports state that the 31-year-old Fiat Yamaha rider, who won the season opening motorcycle race in Qatar this past Sunday, thought he broke his collarbone, but X-rays at the Clinica Mobile revealed no fractures and just minor bruising.
The reports also state that Rossi is in pain, but is expected to ride the second 2010 round at Motegi for the Grand Prix of Japan on April 23-25. Speculation whether this injury will impact Rossi’s ability to compete the highest level has not yet been substantiated.
Accidents and injuries during training are nothing new for the Fiat Yamaha team. Rossi’s teammate Jorge Lorenzo missed the second of three pre-season tests while recovering from MX injuries he also sustained during motocross training near his home in Barcelona.
During the wreck, Lorenzo, who was the runner-up in last year’s Championship and finished second at the season opener, broke a finger and displaced his thumb.