Rossi heads to Valencia after negative Covid test, but...

After continuing to post a positive PCR (Covid) result on Tuesday, putting his Valencia MotoGP return in doubt, Valentino Rossi recorded a negative test result today (Thursday).

That means the nine-time world champion, who missed both of the recent Aragon rounds after contracting the virus, is able under Italian law to end his self-isolation and fly to Valencia this evening.

However, Rossi still needs a second negative PCR test result to be allowed to take part in this weekend's Grand Prix.

'Tomorrow (Friday 6th November), he [Rossi] will do a second PCR test and if the result is negative again, he will be able to reunite with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team and take part in this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Europa,' said a team statement.

'Should Rossi test positive tomorrow, then standby replacement rider Garrett Gerloff will take his place'.

While Rossi now looks likely to make his MotoGP return for the final three rounds of his factory Yamaha team career, Tech3 KTM's Iker Lecuona has been ruled out of the opening Valencia weekend after his brother and assistant tested positive for Covid-19 at their home in Andorra.

Lecuona, who will not be replaced, will be able to return to action for next weekend's second Valencia event, providing he continues to test negative.