ROME — Valentino Rossi has fractured his shin bone in a crash during practice on the Mugello track ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Rossi, who is second in the MotoGP riders' standings, waved as he was moved on to a stretcher before being taken to a medical center by helicopter on Saturday. MotoGP's official website says X-rays confirmed the fracture and added that the nine-time world champion was likely to have surgery later in the day.

The Italian news agency ANSA said Rossi lost control of his Yamaha while changing direction between two curves on his second practice run. He was flipped in the air and landed on the asphalt.