Rossi comeback a model for 'passion, motivation'

Valentino Rossi's early MotoGP return from a broken leg, at the age of 38, proved the Italian legend has lost none of his passion for racing.

That's the opinion of Davide Brivio, Rossi's team manager at Yamaha when the Italian suffered his first broken leg in 2010, who also hopes the #46's level of motivation will serve as an example to the younger generation.

Rossi broke his right tibia and fibula in an enduro accident on August 31, undergoing surgery in the early hours of September 1. The Italian missed Misano, but was back on his M1 at Aragon, just 22 days after suffering the injury.

The nine-time world champion sensationally qualified on the front row and held second place for half of the race, eventually finishing a fraction behind Movistar Yamaha team-mate (and pole sitter) Maverick Vinales, in fifth.

Rossi went on to claim his first podium since the leg injury with a fighting second place at Phillip Island.

Brivio, now running Suzuki's MotoGP team, told Crash.net: "Valentino has always surprised me, but on this occasion what surprised me most was the motivation he had to come back early.

"I mean, you would think after such a long career, winning everything that he has won, missing one more race shouldn't make a big difference, no? "But instead he worked very hard and made a big effort to be back one race early.

"I always say Valentino is a model that should be studied and I hope that the younger generation of riders look at what he did and try to get some motivation.

"They should take example from the passion and motivation he has in wanting to ride a bike. "I was happy for that. I hope many other riders will look at it and follow!"