Rossi sidelined with shin bone fracture

[turn8]

Rossi sidelined with shin bone fracture By Toby Moody and Matt Beer Saturday, June 5th 2010, 09:45 GMT

Valentino Rossi will miss his home grand prix at Mugello after sustaining a fractured right shin bone in a violent crash in final practice this morning.
The reigning champion, who had already been struggling with shoulder injuries following a motocross crash in April, had a high side at the Biondetti esses 15 minutes from the end of the session.
Rossi landed awkwardly on his right leg and was clearly in agony in the gravel trap. He had to be taken away from the scene on a stretcher.
"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," said a statement from the Yamaha team.
"The reigning world champion crashed his Fiat Yamaha M1 at Turn 13, 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."
This will be the first time in Rossi's MotoGP career that he has had to miss a race due to injury, and is a severe blow to his 2010 title hopes, with his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo already holding the points lead thanks to two wins from the three races held so far this year.
AUTOSPORT understands that Rossi will be taken to the Central Traumatological Hospital in Florence for surgery this afternoon, where his open wound will be operated on by Dr Roberto Uzzi. He has been flown to Florence's nearby Careggi Hospital for a thorough assessment first.
Medical sources at Mugello have suggested that the normal recovery period for such an injury would be two months - but have pointed out that fellow riders Toni Elias and Max Sabbatani were able to ride again within 40 days following similar accidents. However even such a rapid recovery would potential rule Rossi out of at least four races.

 

[BlueKat600]

I think Vale is done for the season ...

Open fractures almost always contaminate the associated joints, cause compartment syndrome, often require internal or external fixation to prevent nonunion. I know 1st hand how debilitating a tibial stress # can be (which doesn't require antibiotic therapy), and there's usually no need for surgery.

In Rossi's case, he'll surely be in a lot of pain at the very least and hinder his ability to race (even though he fractured the tibia on his right side) and will likely not be fit to race for the rest of the 2010 season.

 

[racer51]

Injuries make you slower

This accident and the compound fracture are bound to slow Rossi down a tad.

 

[YZF1000jon]

He'll be back after the mid season break, maybe slower, but still back.

 

[yak]

I beg to differ. I don't know when he will be back, but he definitely will not be slower.

On a related subject: how do you interpret Lorenzo's message to Rossi that he held up on the grid before the race? Was it a generous compliment or a dig that he is past his best?

 

[Spooner]

how do you interpret Lorenzo's message to Rossi that he held up on the grid before the race? Was it a generous compliment or a dig that he is past his best?

I'm hoping it was a dig. You've got to love the Drama! I think I'm more excited to see what happens next year than this...

~S

 

[racer51]

I beg to differ. I don't know when he will be back, but he definitely will not be slower.

On a related subject: how do you interpret Lorenzo's message to Rossi that he held up on the grid before the race? Was it a generous compliment or a dig that he is past his best?

I love Rossi, I have to respect Lorenzo.

 

[turn8]

Rossi refuses to set comeback target

GO TO EARLIER STORY GO TO THE NEWS INDEX GO TO NEXT STORY

Rossi refuses to set comeback target By Matt Beer Thursday, June 10th 2010, 18:48 GMT

Valentino Rossi says he is determined not to risk longer term damage by hurrying back into MotoGP before his broken leg is fully healed.
The world champion refused to speculate on when he might return to action after his Mugello practice crash, which left him with the most severe injury of his career so far.
Surgeon Dr Roberto Buzzi has hinted that Rossi could need the rest of the year to recover, while others have suggested that returning for the Czech Grand Prix, the first race after the summer break, would be the most likely option. But Rossi said he just wanted to focus on the recovery and did not want to set a comeback target.
"It's to be expected that Dr Buzzi has been very cautious in his prognosis," he said. "I want to heal the injury; that is the only thing I'm interested in.
"If I miss four races or six races, it doesn't make any difference. The right time to return could be Brno, but it won't necessarily be like this."
He emphasised that with the world championship now all but impossible, and little need to impress teams to earn a 2011 seat, there was no point in him hurrying back into action.
"I know I have a bike for next year and I don't need to rush my return to demonstrate anything," said Rossi. "I could miss just four races but I still wouldn't come back to win the championship.
"It's better to be careful, finish the rehabilitation in the best way and come back to race for many more years."
The Yamaha rider added that even when he did return he did not believe he would be fully competitive from the outset.
"When I come back I will be in perfect shape, although it won't mean that I can win straight away," Rossi said.
"When you return after an enforced break you not only have to think about the body, but also the mind. I won't be able to come back and win immediately."