Former MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a rod from his leg.

The Ducati rider had the rod inserted after breaking his leg in a crash in 2010.

And with the new MotoGP season set to begin in April and the first bout of testing in Malaysia complete, the team decided the time was right for Rossi to have it removed.

"Valentino Rossi underwent a small operation this morning at Cattolica's Cervesi hospital to remove the rod that was inserted in his right tibia following his practice crash at the 2010 Mugello GP," Ducati said in a statement.

"The injury is now completely healed."

"The operation went well, and the Ducati Team rider will be ready for the second test in Malaysia, scheduled for February 28 to March 1."

Last year in his first season with Ducati, the seven-time world champion finished a disappointing seventh in the title standings.

The first round of the 2012 MotoGP World Championship is in Qatar on April 8.