Rossi fractures shin bone in training crash

MUGELLO - Moto GP world champion Valentino Rossi fractured his shin bone in the final practice session for the Italian Grand Prix Saturday.

“Valentino Rossi has suffered a displaced and exposed fracture of his right tibia after crashing in practice for the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello this morning,” his Yamaha team said in a statement.

Rossi, 31, crashed in chicane on the Mugello circuit where he was seeking a 10th win on Sunday. He will now miss a race for the first time in his career over an injury.

Rossi was due to undergo surgery later Saturday in Florence and it remained unclear how long he will be sidelined. Rossi was lyingsecond in the 2010 standings with 61 points, with Spanish team-mate Jorge Lorenzo first on 70 points.