Valentino Rossi returns from broken leg

Valentino Rossi will make an astonishing return to action when he tests a Yamaha at the Misano circuit in Italy this afternoon.

The 31-year-old Italian broke his leg on June 5 in a huge highside during practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.

Rossi, a seven-time MotoGP world champion, had been expected to be on the sidelines for three or four months after suffering the compound fracture to his shin, although he had spoken of a desire to return to racing at next month's Czech Grand Prix at Brno.

But a successful test later today, aboard a YZF-R1 superbike provided by the Japanese manufacturer's World Superbike Championship team, could raise the possibility of Rossi making his comeback at the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring on July 18, a mere six weeks after his accident.

A Fiat Yamaha team statement said: "Valentino Rossi will ride a Yamaha YZF-R1 at a private test in Misano, Italy this afternoon.

"The Italian has made an excellent recovery so far since breaking his leg at Mugello on 5th June and he has decided to proceed with the test ride today in order to better understand his current physical condition.

"Riding a racing motorcycle will help Valentino and his doctors to plan the next stage of his rehabilitation programme in order that he may return to racing as soon as he feels confident to do so."

Rossi has ridden for Yamaha since 2004, but there is increasing speculation that he will join Ducati for the 2011 season.