The Doctor goes under the knife

Ducati Team rider - and arguably the world's most famous two-wheeled wizard - Valentino Rossi has successfully recovered from recent surgery at the Cattolica’s Cervesi hospital after a metal rod was removed from his right leg.

The rod, inserted into his right tibia after he injured his leg during practice at the 2010 Mugello GP, marks the end of an injury-plagued period for the Italian maestro.

Dr.  Lucidi, who carried out the operation, said everything went smoothly: "We started to work this morning at 10 and at 11 was already over. Valentino has awakened from the anaesthesia well and chose the Catholic hospital because he knew [it] well and was still being close to home. Now it just needs a few days rest and then rehabilitation can begin."

Based on our sloppy translation of Rossi's Twitter history, he said: "Thanks to Dr. Lucidi, Dr. Little Pigs, to George and all the boys of the Catholic hospital.  I'm trying to get a picture on the rod!"

Rossi will be looking forward to resuming the shake down of his new 1000cc Ducati GP12 prototype bike during the second phase of testing in Malaysia, between February 28 and March 1.

The previous year, 2011, was not a good MotoGP season for Ducati, with no wins on the scoreboard.

But as Rossi expects to be back to full fitness in 2012 and with the new 1000cc bike likely to deliver gains over 2011, the team is positive about the 2012 season.