Source: Yamaha Racing.

Valentino Rossi was taken to hospital in Alcañiz for a CT scan after being knocked unconsciousness in a crash at the Aragon round of MotoGP on Sunday.

Rossi had started well from his sixth place grid position and had been making progress when he ran wide in the down hill section, running off track and onto the slippery grass where he crashed heavily.

He lost consciousness briefly after the crash but regained it quickly and was taken immediately to the Medical Centre for a check up. No injuries were diagnosed, but the rider was transferred to hospital for a precautionary check up.

“Valentino suffered a concussion with a suspected loss of consciousness,” explained Clinica Mobile medical director Michele Zasa. “From a neurological point of view he has recovered very well.

“He was taken to hospital in Alcañiz to make a further check, in particular a CT scan of the skull that has ruled out any bleeding in the brain. As a precaution he will be observed in the coming hours, but there are no special reasons for concern.”

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team director Massimo Meregalli added: “Vale was riding very well up to his crash, it’s a pity because after his out lap he said the changes we made were perfect and he felt the bike was working well.

“We are not clear yet on the cause of the crash but he was clearly riding with potential to finish on the podium. Fortunately he seems to be fine and was taken to the hospital as a precautionary check up following an initial check at the Medical Centre.”

Rossi’s DNF means he stays third in the championship standings on 214 points led by Marc Marquez, now three behind Dani Pedrosa in second.