Valentino Rossi absence ‘strange’ for Yamaha

Valentino Rossi’s factory Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio has admitted it is ‘strange’ to think that the Italian star is out of the 2010 MotoGP world championship title chase.   

Rossi is currently recovering from a broken right tibia he suffered during practice for his home race in Mugello five days ago. 

The 31-year-old will be out of action for at least the next five races with Rossi unable to put any weight on his right leg for between five and seven weeks.

The worst injury of Rossi’s career has ruled him out of this season’s title hunt when it looked like he was going to be locked in another tense tussle with Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

And Brivio told MCN it was hard to imagine Rossi’s season being over after just four races.

He said: “It is a strange feeling because we didn’t lose the championship. We just had no chance to fight, which is the same outcome but a different feeling. But I think this will make Valentino more willing to comeback and be prepared for next year.”