Rossi still in pain ahead of Italy MotoGP

Italian MotoGP great Valentino Rossi is still in pain from a motocross accident and will have to pass a medical on Thursday before he can compete at this weekend's home race at Mugello.

The 38-year-old said in a Yamaha team statement on Wednesday that "the pain in the abdomen and in the chest is still severe.

"Fortunately, my condition is improving day by day and this allows me to think a bit more positively about the Mugello weekend," added the Italian, who spent a night in hospital after the fall last week in eastern Italy.

Rossi, a nine-time world champion across all categories, said he was doing all he could to be ready in time.

"It will not be easy but I still have a few days to continue the treatment," he added. "If all is well, I will ride my YZR-M1 on Friday to really understand my condition. I will do my best to be on track Sunday."

The Italian is third in the championship, 23 points behind his Spanish teammate and overall leader Maverick Vinales after five races.