Moto GP: Rossi out for months with broken leg

DANI Pedrosa claimed pole position for today's Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, but the qualifying session was overshadowed by a heavy crash which left reigning champion Valentino Rossi with a badly broken leg.

Fiat Yamaha rider Rossi suffered a compound fracture of his right shinbone when he fell at the 13th turn with 15 minutes remaining of yesterday morning's final practice.

The Italian underwent an operation at a hospital in Florence last night and initial indications from MotoGP's medical team suggest he could be sidelined for up to three months.