Valentino Rossi has tested positive for COVID-19 once again. The Doctor underwent a COVID test on Tuesday 3rd November, however, unfortunately for Rossi, this test was positive. The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team have called upon American World Superbike rider, Garrett Gerloff.

Gerloff will replace Rossi should the Italian produce a second positive COVID test. To enter a MotoGP paddock, the person in question must produce two negative COVID tests before being granted access to the MotoGP circus.

Rossi, who missed both Aragon races, is feeling “100%” but a positive tests means the Italian is currently sidelined.

Gerloff, a three-time World Superbike podium finisher, spent most of the past decade finding success at each rung of the USA motorcycling ladder. The former double MotoAmerica Supersport champion, and third in the Superbike class, burst onto the World Superbike scene this season, and like his fellow American riders in the past, took the series by storm, finishing on the podium three times.

Should Gerloff get the opportunity to line up, it would be the first American premier class rider to do so since Nicky Hayden.

Valentino Rossi – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

“This virus is very complicated and serious. I felt bad for two days, then in a few days I came back to being fully fit, at my 100%. I self-isolated at home all the time and I followed the medical advice closely. It‘s a very sad and difficult situation, but that‘s the way it is. Unfortunately, yesterday (Tuesday 3rd November), I had another test and it came back positive again, like all previous ones. Luckily I still have two more chances to be back on track on Friday or Saturday. I am very sad because I am feeling well, and I can‘t wait to be back aboard my M1 and be reunited with my team. I really hope the next PCR test result will be negative, because missing two races was already two too many.“

Garrett Gerloff – MEYM Standby Replacement Rider

“I‘m so honoured that Yamaha has considered me for this opportunity. This year has already been quite the adventure, and this would be the cherry on top. It‘s been a dream of mine to ride the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike since I started racing so many years ago, and to potentially have it happen is really exciting. But I am just sorry to get this opportunity under these unfortunate circumstances for Valentino. I feel really bad for him, and I hope that he recovers soon, we all miss the number 46 on track! All the best to him. If I do end up riding this weekend, it will be an uphill battle not knowing the bike, tyres, brakes, etc. Also, I have never been to the Valencia track before. But I‘m confident in myself and ready for the challenge! Thanks to all at Yamaha. Bring it on!“

The European Grand Prix gets underway on Friday 6th November with FP1 at 10:55 local time.

Featured image: Yamaha-Racing