Rossi wants to race at Aragon

Movistar Yamaha's  Valentino Rossi has completed two track tests aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1 to judge his race fitness ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Aragón.

According to reports, his first outing came on Monday at his home circuit of Misano just 18 days after the 38-year old suffered a displaced fracture of both his tibia and fibula, though it’s understood it was a weather hampered session which only resulted in four laps of the 4.2km circuit.

According to an official release from the team, the nine-time world champion was back at it the following day, this time completing 20 laps, with the team reporting “an improved feeling and a more positive impression” compared to the previous day’s outing.

“Tomorrow Rossi will undergo a medical examination to verify the positive rehabilitation progress experienced in today’s session,” the statement read. “After which he will make a final decision on his attempt to take part in the Gran Premio Movistar de Aragón.”

And while the factory’s world s uperbike rider Michael van der Mark has already been named to replace the injured rider at this weekend’s event, the rules state Rossi can participate as late as FP3 before still be able to withdraw from the event, at which point van der Mark will be allowed to slot into his place.

Rossi currently sits 42 points adrift of tied series leaders Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) with five rounds — 125 possible points — left to run.