Steve Parrish's MotoGP column

• enue: Mugello
• Date: 1-3 July
• Saturday 2 July: MotoGP qualifying 1150-1500 BST, BBC Red Button/online
• Sunday 3 July: 125cc & Moto2 races: 0950 -1205, BBC Red Button/online; MotoGP live: 1230-1400, BBC Two/online; MotoGP Extra: 1400-1430, BBC Red Button/online

Valentino Rossi breaks leg in horror crash last year

The MotoGP circus rolls into Mugello this weekend and it is a massive few days for Valentino Rossi.

The nine-time world champion has had a tough start to his life on the Ducati and the return to his native Italy marks the anniversary of his

There should not be any psychological hangover for him at the circuit but he may be a bit cautious in practice on Friday.
At the time I was asked whether that was a career-threatening injury and I said no but he has you wonder how many more he will get.
It has certainly slowed his career down, there is no doubt about that.
Rossi has an unprecedented record at Mugello, he loves the track and he has been testing there so maybe he will be back up at the front. I do not think he can win but he could end up on the podium, which would be a huge boost for all his fans.
Rossi has won seven MotoGP races at Mugello The bike is made just up the road from the Mugello circuit as well so it could be a bit of an embarrassment if they do not manage a respectable result.
but at the top of the standings Casey Stoner is doing what Jorge Lorenzo did last year. He realises that sometimes he cannot win but he is picking up finishes and growing his points lead.
We are all pleased to see  It has been a long time coming but if he can come back 100% fit and challenge from the off this weekend then maybe his decision to stay on the sidelines will be vindicated.
He needs a bit of a miracle to challenge for the title but stranger things have happened. All he can do is concentrate on winning races.

I just hope Marco Simoncelli has still got the fight in him after his latest crash.