Nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi has undergone successful surgery after breaking his right leg in an enduro training accident, Yamaha has confirmed.
MotoGP title contender Rossi, 38, broke his right tibia and fibula while training near his home town of Tavullia in Italy on Thursday, and was transferred to hospital where he underwent surgery.
“Following a medical examination at the Ospedale Civile di Urbino, where he was initially diagnosed, the Italian was transported to the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti in Ancona,” a statement from Rossi’s Yamaha team reads.
“Upon arrival, he received surgery between 2am and 3am by Dr. Raffaele Pascarella, Director of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Division.
“During the surgery the fractures were fixated using a metal pin - a locked intramedullary nail - without any complications.”
“The surgery went well. This morning, when I woke up, I felt already good,” Rossi said.
“I would like to thank the staff of the Ospedali Riuniti in Ancona, and in particular Doctor Pascarella who operated on me.
“I’m very sorry for the incident. Now I want to be back on my bike as soon as possible. I will do my best to make it happen!”
Rossi currently sits 26 points back from MotoGP championship leader Andrea Dovizioso with six races remaining, but it is unclear how long he will be out of action for.