A disappointing finish during the race at Aragon, and a consistently nagging shoulder problem, have caused Valentino Rossi to consider bowing out of the final two races of the MotoGP, in order to move up his shoulder surgery. Rossi has been battling his shoulder injury since the second round of the 2010 MotoGP season. Rossi also broke his leg this season, but it is his shoulder that is causing him the most pain and discomfort.
Shoulder surgery would require at least a two month recovery process. Rossi is switching teams and bikes next year, and will need a lot of time to prepare for the 2011 MotoGP season. Rossi can not mathematically win the MotoGP championship this year, so it may be a smart move to start preparing for 2011.
Rossi has yet to make his decision, and says that the coming races in Japan, Malasia, and Australia, will be vital to how he chooses to proceed.
"Phillip Island, and Sepang are good tracks that will be important to understand the extent of my injury in relation to the final two races," Rossi said. "Both these tracks are easier for me but unfortunately Motegi (Japan) will be the worst for my shoulder. But I have decided to try these three races. I only have 50% power in my shoulder, it is now a bigger problem than my leg. I cannot ride like I want. I don't want to have surgery but the pain is constant and the situation has not improved."
Rossi achieved his worst result of the 2010 season at Aragon with a sixth place finish.
