Valentino Rossi climbed back on a race bike today, less than five weeks after breaking two major bones in his right leg. Vale did not issue a statement after the 26 lap test, but Yamaha did report that his leg felt weak but OK, and that the Dr. reported some pain in his shoulder.

A MotoGP Youtube clip shows some understandably cautious lapping aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike.

After the test, Yamaha MotoGP Team Manager Davide Brivio declared that the test did show how well Vale’s recovery was proceeding, and that no decision had been made regarding a possible return for the German MotoGP on July 16 to 18th.

Vale now knows better how to train between now and then, and the team may let him out on the Friday runs, and then decide to race the no. 46 or not. For my money, he should stay home and recover more!