Valentino Rossi tests positive for Covid-19

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi has tested positive for Covid-19 just two days prior to this weekend’s Gran Premio Michelin de Aragon. The news means the nine-time MotoGP champ will miss the first of two MotorLand Aragon events, with his participation in the second Grand Prix at the venue also currently in serious doubt.

Rossi confirmed the news via social media, saying “Unfortunately, this morning I woke up and I was not feeling good. My bones were score 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”.

However, during Rossi‘s stay at his home from Sunday (October 11) to October 15 (as of this latest update), he has NOT been in contact with any person set to be in attendance at the Gran Premio de Aragon, including VR46 Academy riders, VR46 staff, or any Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team members.

Rossi's condition will be closely monitored by the medical staff at his hometown in Tavullia, and the situation will be reviewed every day with a view to Rossi's participation at the upcoming races of the 2020 MotoGP season.

Addressing the issue, Lin Jarvis, MD, Yamaha Motor Racing, said, “This is very bad news for Valentino, for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team and for all MotoGP fans around the world. First and foremost, we hope Valentino will not suffer too much in the coming days and will recover fully in the shortest time possible. It comes as a second blow for our MotoGP operations having faced the absence of Project Leader Sumi-san (Takahiro Sumi)and five YMC engineers at the Le Mans race after one member tested positive – despite being fortunately totally asymptomatic.

“Both these incidents remind us that no matter how careful you are, the risk is always present – as we see with the rising numbers of infections in Europe at this time. We have checked with the Italian health authorities and we have been advised that any member of our team that was in contact with Valentino up until Monday is excluded from direct risk. Nevertheless, we will be even more attentive from now on to minimise the chance for any future issues.”