By alley - Sep 20, 2017, 11:48 AM ET

Rossi to attempt Aragon MotoGP

After testing his fitness on a Yamaha R1 for a number of laps at Misano on Monday and Tuesday, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi has decided to attempt to take part in the upcoming Gran Premio Movistar de Aragon.

The Italian will need to be passed fit to ride in order to take to the track, and would then head out in FP1 to further assess the possibility of racing on Sunday. Dutch WorldSBK rider Michael van der Mark – who

already had been named

Rossi's replacement for Misano – would make his MotoGP debut in place of the nine-time World Champion if he is unable to compete.

Rossi was involved in an accident on Aug. 31 during training in Italy, breaking the tibia and fibula of his right leg. Both fractures required surgery to repair. While Rossi's rehabilitation process was reportedly progressing well, he wasn't expected to be able to compete again before the Japanese GP at Motegi in October.

Said Rossi: "Fortunately, yesterday I had a good test with my YZF-R1M in Misano. I tried also the day before, but the rain stopped me after a few laps. Yesterday I managed to complete 20 laps and find the answers I was looking for. Eventually, the test was positive and I want to say thanks to Dr. Lucidi and his staff, who helped me find the best solutions to feel the least amount of pain possible in my leg when I'm riding.

"Obviously at the end of the test I was in a little bit of pain, but this morning I went to Dr. Pascarella for a medical check, and it came out with a positive result. At the end I decided I will leave for Aragón and will try to ride my M1 this weekend. If I will be declared fit to ride, I'll have the real answer after FP1, because riding the M1 will be a much bigger challenge. We'll see. See you in Aragon!"