Valentino Rossi will not compete in the next MotoGP round at Aragon following a positive Covid-19 diagnosis.
A number of Yamaha engineers have previously missed proceedings due to self-isolation, as did Moto2’s Jorge Martin, however, Rossi will be the first MotoGP rider to miss a grand prix due to a positive Covid test.
The diagnosis follows a string of bad luck for The Doctor, after he crashed out of the last three races and now sits 13th in the world championship.
Rossi delivered the news this morning on Twitter.
“Unfortunately, this morning I woke up and I was not feeling good,” he tweeted.
“My bones were sore and I had a slight fever, so I immediately called the doctor who tested me twice.
“The ‘quick PCR test’ was negative, just like the test I underwent on Tuesday, but the second one, of which the result was sent to me at 16:00 this afternoon, was unfortunately positive.
“I am so disappointed that I will have to miss the race at Aragon. I’d like to be optimistic and confident, but I expect the second round in Aragaon to be a ‘no go’ for me as well…
“I am sad and angry because I did my best to respect the protocol and although the test I had on Tuesday was negative, I self-isolated since my arrival from Le Mans.
“Anyway, this is the way it is, and I can’t do anything to change the situation. I will now follow the medical advice, and I just hope I will be feeling well soon.”
It’s unclear who will take the factory Yamaha M1 while Rossi is away, although some have speculated that test rider Jorge Lorenzo may be called in.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
