Valentino Rossi to make early MotoGP return in Germany

Valentino Rossi will be reunited with his Fiat Yamaha team at this weekend's Grand Prix of Germany at the Sachsenring. The nine-time world champion's recovery from a broken leg sustained six weeks ago during practice at Mugello in Italy has gone better than expected.

"I'm really excited that my doctors think I can ride this weekend," Rossi said in a team release. "Tomorrow, I will see the medical officer and then we will have the final decision. I felt good on the R1, but I know my M1 at the track is a different thing and it will be hard for me. But I miss my bike and my team, and I want to try. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and being back in the paddock; I was tired of being at home!"

Before Rossi will be able to return to action, he must have approval from the circuit's chief medical officer. Yamaha test rider Wataru Yoshikawa will once again be present to ride the second M1 if Rossi is unable to do so.

Rossi's Fiat Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, currently leads the championship points chase.