Source: Supplied.

Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi is facing a race against time to be fit for this weekend’s Mugello round of the MotoGP World Championship, still suffering from ‘severe pain’ after his motocross crash last week.

Rossi was admitted to hospital and cleared of any fractures, however injuries to his abdomen and chest could see him ruled out of the Italian grand prix this weekend if he’s not declared fit or strong enough to ride.

“Unfortunately I crashed while I was training on a motocross bike,” Rossi explained. “The pain in the abdomen and in the chest is still severe. Fortunately, my condition is improving day by day and this allows me to think a bit more positively about the Mugello weekend. My desire to be at the start of the Italian GP is so strong and I’m working on recovering as soon as possible.

“It will not be easy but I still have a few days to continue the treatment. On Thursday I will have to do the medical check-up to get the okay to go on the track. If all is well, I will ride my YZR-M1 on Friday to really understand my condition. I will do my best to be on track Sunday, for sure.”

After crashing out of the Le Mans round last time out, Rossi is now third in the current championship standings and 23 points in arrears of teammate Maverick Viñales entering round six this weekend.