MotoGP star Rossi leaves hospital

Italian MotoGP great Valentino Rossi has left hospital, one night after surgery for a broken leg which looks set to end his title chances this year.

The 38-year-old said he spent a good night on Friday after doctors inserted a pin into his right leg to fix fractures suffered during a training accident in eastern Italy.

"This morning, I felt good," Rossi said on Saturday morning in a statement sent by his Yamaha team. "I will begin the rehabilitation as soon as possible and we'll see how my body reacts before making any decisions.

"I will do everything I can to get back as soon as possible," the nine-time world champion added.

Doctors said Rossi, sitting fourth in the 2017 MotoGP standings and 26 points behind leading compatriot Andrea Dovizioso, would need 30-40 days' rest. He had been expected to stay in hospital for three or four days.

"His condition was good, so we decided to discharge him," said Raffaelle Pascarella, director of the Ancona orthopaedics and trauma department where Rossi was treated.

Deciding when Rossi gets back on his bike is up to him, Pascarella said, adding, "I don't have a crystal ball".

Six MotoGP races remain and the Italian seems sure to miss at least two of them, likely ending his title chances for another year. A race win is worth 25 points.

The next MotoGP is on September 10 at Misano on Italy's Adriatic coast, near Rossi's home.

In 2010, Rossi broke his right leg in practice for the Italian Grand Prix, and returned to MotoGP after a six-week absence.