Rossi fractures his hand in crash

VALENCIA, Spain -- Valentino Rossi could miss a race for the first time in his career on Sunday after fracturing a hand in three places in a crash during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix in Valencia.

Rossi, who needs one point from the race to ensure a second place finish in the championship behind Casey Stoner had not given up hope of competing after being taken to a clinic near the track.

Yamaha said a decision would be taken on Sunday morning.

Rossi said: "I lost the back under acceleration in the first corner, 10 minutes before the end of the session.

"I tried to correct the bike but it was too late. I knew straight away that I'd fractured my hand. I also hurt my lower back but apparently there's nothing wrong there."

If Rossi does take part he will start 17th and only needs to move up two places during the race to snatch the point he needs for second place overall. E-mail to a friend