ROME: MotoGP star Valentino Rossi is making “positive progress” from chest and stomach injuries he suffered in a motocross crash, his Yamaha team said on Friday.

The 38-year-old Italian is recovering in hospital after a training accident at Mondavio in Pesaro Urbino near Rimini.

“Having been diagnosed yesterday evening (Thursday) with mild thoracic and abdominal trauma, following a motocross accident....Valentino Rossi is making positive progress with his recovery,” Yamaha announced.

They said Rossi may be released from hospital later Friday depending on the results of further tests.

Rossi crashed out of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans on the last lap last weekend handing victory to teammate Maverick Vinales and lies third in the world championship standings.

It is not clear whether Rossi will be fit enough to take part in the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello next week.—AFP