"Rossi tells Pedrosa not to give up."

Valentino Rossi tells wounded MotoGP title rival Dani Pedrosa not give up.

Valentino Rossi has sent a message of encouragement to injured title rival Dani Pedrosa, who lost the 2008 MotoGP World Championship lead when he stayed in possession of a seven second advantage last weekend's wet German Grand Prix.

As if the accident itself was not a big enough blow, Pedrosa also fractured a finger and wrist bone in his left hand and sprained his right ankle, but still attempt to travel to this weekend's Grand Prix U.S..

"Unfortunately Dani crashed in Germany. This is a bad, horrible accident," said Rossi, who is now 16 points Repsol Honda Pilot. "I saw at the airport and his condition is not safe to the fullest.

"The will try [to go], but for sure when the race with some fractures or surgery is always very difficult. So I tell him, 'do not give up and try the utmost to get some points and remain in the fight for the championship. "

Ducati's reigning world champion, Casey Stoner, winner of the last three races, is now 20 points from Rossi Yamaha stars.