Valentino Rossi, a nine-time world champion, tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the Aragon MotoGP this weekend.
The rider recently visited social media to check that he had shown symptoms of the virus and was promptly screened. As a result, Rossi will miss the Aragon GP in Spain this weekend, and will most likely also miss the Teruel GP on the same circuit, which is scheduled for next weekend. Rossi is the first MotoGP rider to test positive in the middle of the pandemic for COVID-19.
"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 this afternoon, was unfortunately positive" said on twitter.
Yamaha reported that over the week, Rossi followed all the health and safety procedures and is now going to self-isolate, with his medical condition closely supervised by the medical staff of the team.
Rossi, 13th with 58 points in the championship standings, said he is unlikely to return on Oct. 25 for the second round 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," he said.
"I will now follow the medical advice, and I just hope I will be feeling well soon."
In each of the last three races, Rossi struggled to finish, crashing out on the opening lap of last weekend's French Grand Prix.