ROSSI TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

Valentino Rossi tests positive to COVID-19 – Photo: LAT

Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi will miss this weekend’s Aragon MotoGP race after testing positive for COVID-19.

By HEATH McALPINE

In a statement posted to his social media account, Rossi explained he was tested twice after waking up ill and the second produced a negative result.

“Unfortunately, this morning I woke up and I was not feeling good,” Rossi said.

“My bones were sore and I had a slight fever, so I immediately called the doctor who tested me twice. The ‘quick PCR test’ result 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 Aragon 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. Anyways, 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 is increasingly doubtful the Yamaha factory driver will contest the second leg at Aragon next weekend.

Rossi’s positive test follows on from six Yamaha engineers missing last weekend’s MotoGP round at Le Mans in order to self-isolate after one tested positive. It remains unclear if the group will return to the paddock this weekend.

A replacement for Rossi has not been announced, however factory test driver and three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo could fill the role.

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