ROSSI RETURNS TO SECOND HOME

Seven times World Champion Valentino Rossi regards Donington Park as his second home. The 28 year Italian is looking forward to his long awaited only appearance in Britain this year at the Nickel and Dime British Motorcycle Grand Prix on Sunday 24 June and re-igniting his special affinity with the British fans.

In the pre-event press conference for the Alice Grand Prix of Italy in Mugello yesterday, Rossi revealed the next four grand prix in the 18 round MotoGP World Championship are his favourites and that includes round eight at Donington Park.

“The next four races are my favourites and the Donington circuit and the excitement generated and the support I receive from the British crowd make it a very special place for me and the team,” explained Rossi, who currently lies second in the MotoGP World Championship 21 points adrift of Australian Casey Stoner. “The first part of the Donington circuit through the Craner Curves is a fantastic experience on a MotoGP bike and one of my favourite parts of a track in the World.”

“I have won seven times at Donington which also makes the place so special. Also I won my very first 500cc grand prix there seven years ago which is a fantastic memory and started my very special relationship with the British fans.”

Rossi’s first victory win came as a teenager in 1997 when a win in the 125 cc class helped him capture his first World title. Two years later a victory in the 250cc race put him on track for the 250cc title. The big break through in the 500cc class came in 2000 and he followed up with premier class victories in 2001, 2002, 2004 and the epic 2005 win in the pouring rain.