Seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi said Thursday he has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss this weekend's Grand Prix of Aragon. The 41-year-old Italian said he could also miss next week's Teruel Grand Prix at the same circuit in Spain. "Unfortunately, this morning I woke up and I was not feeling good. My bones were sore and I had a slight fever, so I immediately called the doctor who tested me twice," said Rossi in a statement. "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 at 16:00 this afternoon, was unfortunately positive. I am so disappointed that I will have to miss the race at Aragon."

Rossi, in his final season with the factory Yamaha team, had endured a tough season with three successive crashes leaving 'The Doctor' down in 13th in the world championship. "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... I am sad and angry because I did my best to respect the protocol and although the test I had on Tuesday was negative, I self-isolated since my arrival from Le Mans," he added. "Anyway, this is the way it is, and I can't do anything to change the situation.