Valentino Rossi ruled out of Aragon MotoGP by positive Covid test

Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi has become the first MotoGP rider forced to miss a grand prix due to a positive Covid result, which will see him sidelined from this weekend's Aragon round and all but certain to also be absent from next weekend's second back-to-back event.

Rossi underwent Covid tests after feeling 'a bit sore' and experiencing a 'slight fever' when he woke up this (Thursday) morning. While the 'quick' test was negative, the 'standard' test returned a positive result at 16:00.

The Italian's Aragon absence follows six Yamaha engineers, including M1 project leader Takahiro Sumi, skipping last weekend's Le Mans round due to self-isolation after one of their group tested positive for Covid 19. It is not clear if the engineers will be back this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Covid diagnosis continues a nightmare run for Rossi, who has crashed out of the last three races in a row and currently sits 13th in the world championship:

"Unfortunately, this morning I woke up and I was not feeling good. My bones were sore and I had a slight fever, so I immediately called the doctor who tested me twice," Rossi said. "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.

"Anyway, 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."

Yamaha Racing managing director LinJarvis added: "This is very bad news for Valentino and very bad news 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 and five YMC engineers at the Le Mans race after one member tested positive – despite being fortunately totally asymptomatic.

"These two 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."

Prior to Rossi's diagnosis, the most high-profile motorcycle grand prix rider to miss an event due to Covid was Moto2 frontrunner Jorge Martin, the Spaniard being forced out of both Misano rounds.

Given Rossi also expects next weekend's event to be a "no go", might factory test rider and triple MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo make the 2020 race return he was denied when wild-cards were cancelled earlier this season?

STATEMENT – 15th October 2020

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl regret to announce that Valentino Rossi will be unable to attend this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Aragón.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- On Sunday 11th October, Rossi left the Le Mans circuit and travelled back to his home in Tavullia, Italy.

- On Tuesday 13th October, Rossi underwent the usual PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, which is compulsory for those who visit their homes in between races. The result was available the next day and it was negative.

- On Wednesday 14th October, Rossi was feeling fully fit and he trained at home without any symptoms or inconveniences.

- On Thursday 15th October, he woke up in the morning and felt a bit sore. He had a slight fever and immediately called a doctor. The doctor conducted two tests:

1. A ’quick PCR test‘, that again came back with a negative test result.
2. A standard PCR test, of which the result arrived on Thursday 15th October, at 16:00 local time. Unfortunately this result was positive.

- During Rossi‘s stay at his home from Sunday night (11th October) to today (15th October), he has NOT been in contact with any person that is currently present at the Gran Premio de Aragón, including VR46 Academy riders, VR46 staff, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team members etc.

- Rossi's condition will be closely monitored by the medical staff in Tavullia.

- The situation will be reviewed every day with a view to Rossi's participation at the upcoming MotoGP race events.