Rossi still unsure of status for Mugello MotoGP

Valentino Rossi has an impressive record at his home GP at Mugello, where he won seven straight years from 2002-'08, but the Italian legend goes into the race this year unsure he will even be able to race following a motocross accident while training.

Pushing hard to recover as fast as possible, Rossi will test himself out on Friday for the event but is hopeful he won't have to sit out a race where the home crowd will be behind him 100%.

Rossi suffered "mild thoracic and abdominal trauma" in the accident, although fortunately no broken bones.

"The pain in the abdomen and in the chest is still severe," admitted the Movistar Yamaha team rider. "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."