Valentino Rossi’s 2017 MotoGP title chase is in doubt, when the 9-time world champion suffered fractures to his fibula and tibula in his right leg, following an enduro training crash.

Rossi underwent surgery overnight, where surgeons inserted a meal pin to fixate the fractures. Yamaha could not ascertain when he will return to the track but Rossi says that he’ll try his best to do so.

“The surgery went well,” Rossi said. “This morning, when I woke up, I felt already good. I would like to thank the staff of the Ospedali Riuniti in Ancona, and in particular Doctor Pascarella who operated on me.

“I’m very sorry for the incident. Now I want to be back on my bike as soon as possible. I will do my best to make it happen!”

Valentino Rossi had finished third at the just-concluded Octo British Grand Prix on 17th August 2017, and currently lies fourth in the championship standings with 157 points, 26 points behind the leader, Andrea Dovizioso of Team Ducati MotoGP who has accumulated 183 points.

“Last night Movistar Yamaha MotoGP‘s Valentino Rossi had a successful operation on the displaced fractures of the tibia and fibula of his right leg.

“The MotoGP-star was hospitalised after an enduro accident yesterday evening.

“Following a medical examination at the ’Ospedale Civile di Urbino’, where he was initially diagnosed, the Italian was transported to the ‘Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti’ in Ancona.

“Upon arrival, he received surgery between 2am – 3am by Dr. Raffaele Pascarella, Director of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Division. During the surgery the fractures were fixated using a metal pin – a locked intramedullary nail – without any complications.

“Further medical updates will follow in due course.

“Yamaha would like to thank the entire staff of the ‘Ospedale Civile di Urbino’ and ‘Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona’ for their dedication and professional care.”