Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi says he is still suffering from "severe" chest pain following last week's motocross training crash and faces a race against time in order to be fit for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
Rossi sustained mild thoracic and abdominal trauma when he fell last week and was observed in Rimini Hospital overnight, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home.
Rossi will require medical checks at Mugello on Thursday in order to be given the green light to participate in this weekend's event.
"Unfortunately I crashed while I was training on a motocross bike [and] the pain in the abdomen and in the chest is still severe," said Rossi.
"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 OK 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."
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