Rossi plan return to MotoGP

A compound fracture of his lower right leg apparently won't keep Valentino Rossi out of next month's MotoGP race at IMS.

The seven-time world champion recently said he hopes to return to competition in time for the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic on Aug. 15. The Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix is Aug. 27-29.

His injury came in a vicious, high-side crash June 5 during the Italian Grand Prix.

"I am feeling a lot better, and I'm starting to live a semi-normal life again, although for a completely 'normal' life, I will have to wait until I'm back on my bike," he said in comments distributed by IMS officials.

Rossi's Fiat Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, has won two of the three races during Rossi's absence and leads the season standings. The Spaniard, who won in Indy last year, will be the crowd favorite for Sunday's race in Catalunya, Spain (8 a.m., Speed). Indianapolis Star