MotoGP, Rossi wants to try, he awaits the OK at Mugello

Right now, the only certainty is that it won't be an easy Italian GP for Valentino. The champion was involved in an accident last Thursday while training with his MX bike at the Cavallara track. He had to spend a night in hospital and, despite the fact that his condition is not serious and that he has not sustained any fractures, he did take a significant blow to the abdomen and ribs

Yesterday, Rossi underwent an initial check-up ahead of the Mugello race, but until he gets on his Yamaha it's impossible to fully ascertain his condition.

First though, he has to pass the exam set by doctors at the Tuscan circuit, as it is they who will decide whether or not he can ride. A routine check-up carried out every time a rider suffers an accident.

If he's given the OK, the rest is then up to him. Because Valentino is getting better but time is short and his biggest adversary will be the pain. As always in these cases, no-one knows how he will react once on the bike and Rossi too is anxious to find out whether the situation will be better or worse when he reaches Friday's first practice.

The Doctor obviously doesn't want to miss his home GP and will do all he can to race. Sources close to the rider confirm that his condition is improving each day and that Valentino definitely wants to try and ride, and compete as usual.

This is also the hope of the many fans who are preparing for the Mugello race. This injury is doubly unlucky, in that not only has it occurred just before his home GP but, with 4 GPs in the next 5 weeks, Valentino will have little time to rest, with Barcelona coming straight after Mugello.

The riders are often able to draw from unexpected reserves though and Valentino will be no exception.