Rossi injuries confirmed, will undergo surgery

Yamaha has issued the following update, confirming that MotoGP title contender Valentino Rossi has broken his right leg and will undergo surgery:

"Following an enduro training accident on Thursday, August 31st, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP star Valentino Rossi was diagnosed with displaced fractures of the tibia and fibula of his right leg.

"The 38-year-old Italian rider will undergo surgery as soon as possible.

"A further medical bulletin will be issued later on Friday morning, Sept 1st."

Rossi suffered a displaced fracture of the same right tibia during practice for the 2010 Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, after which he also underwent surgery and was absent from MotoGP for six weeks.

The Italian - who rode with stomach and chest injuries following a motocross training accident just before this year's Mugello round - is currently fourth in the world championship, 26 points Andrea Dovizioso with six rounds to go.

Rossi has one win and five podiums so far this season, the latest being a third place at Silverstone, where he led for much of the race.

The next event is Rossi's home round at Misano, next weekend.

The serious nature of the leg fractures described by Movistar Yamaha point towards Rossi missing multiple races, as in 2010.