Rossi tested positive for COVID-19, to miss Aragon GP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yamaha Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) rider Valentino Rossi tested positive for COVID-19 and is set to miss the weekend’s Aragon GP in Spain.

The seven-time MotoGP world champion, who recently confirmed moving to the Malaysian outfit Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team for the next season, was tested positive in the second polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on Thursday.

The 41-year-old Italian, nicknamed as the ‘the Doctor’, is also doubtful for the second race at the Aragon Motorland on Oct 25, MotoGP said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Rossi confirmed the unfortunate result to fans through social media.

“Unfortunately, this (Thursday) 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. 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

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis, in a different statement, said Rossi hasn't come into contact with any person currently at the Aragon GP.

“First and foremost, we hope Rossi 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.

“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 Rossi 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,” he said.

Below is the chronological order of events provided by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:

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

- On Tuesday (13th Oct) Rossi underwent the usual PCR 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 Oct) Rossi was feeling fully fit and he trained at home without any symptoms or inconveniences.

- On Thursday (15th Oct) 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 Oct), at 16:00 local time. Unfortunately this result was positive.

- During Rossi‘s stay at his home from Sunday night (11th Oct) to today (15th Oct), he has not been in contact with any person that is currently present at the Gran Premio de Aragon, 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.

-- BERNAMA