MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi to ride Isle of Man TT course
Wednesday 29 April 2009
TT
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi will ride the iconic Isle of Man TT course in June it has been confirmed.
It will be the eight-time MotoGP World Champion’s first visit to the TT and his lap of the Mountain Circuit will bring together two of the biggest names in motorcycle racing.
The 30-year-old will arrive in the Isle of Man on Saturday June 6 with fellow Italian Grand Prix legend Giacomo Agostini, who is no stranger to the TT. Ago race in the Isle of Man from 1966 to 1972, winning 10 TT races when the event held World Championship status.
The pair will lap the 37¾-mile course ahead of the Dainese Superbike race. Rossi and Agostini will ride 2009 Yamaha R1s behind the course car, flanked by Travelling Marshals riding similar machines.
Rossi, who has already own 97 GPs in his illustrious career, is excited about his first visit to the TT.
He said:
‘I am fascinated by all sort of motorsport and the Isle of Man is a destination and a race I have wanted to experience for a long time.’
‘The MotoGP schedule is very busy around this time of year, but this year the TT has moved dates a little and there is a week gap between Mugello and Catalunya, so now at last we have the opportunity to see this famous event!’
‘I have seen many famous images from the TT races, and of course heard much about it from Giacomo and Mr Dainese who enjoyed the experience so much last year.’
Dainese renewed its current partnership with the Isle of Man TT races in April and will be the Official Safety Partner for the second successive year. The company's founder and CEO Lino Dainese will accompany Rossi and Agostini on this historic visit.
Mr Dainese added:
‘This is the second year of being the Official Safety Partner to the Isle of Man TT Races and is a very big challenge for our company: we want to give a strong signal to our commitment of safety.’
‘We continue with our research and development programme of the D-air system, and at the TT Races we will cooperate again with our rider Guy Martin who gave such valuable feedback at last year’s event.’
‘Our research will continue also at Grand Prix circuits this year with Valentino Rossi's support too.’
‘We are delighted he can be with us at the TT this year to highlight the general commitment of all our pilots, together with D-tec (Dainese Technology Center) to make a step forward in motorbike protection.’
After the Dainese Superbike race there will be a press conference involving Mr Dainese, Agostini and Rossi outlining Dainese’s future commitments to further improving safety for people who love active sports before the VIP group leave to return to Italy.
Rossi’s appearance has been made possible because of his involvement with Dainese. Yamaha and MCN have also been involved in setting up the trip, working with the Isle of Man Government.
Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:
‘The TT has a long history with Italy and Italian riders including Carlo Ubbiali, Tarquinio Provini and of course Giacomo Agostini.’
‘It is fantastic that another one of the ultimate motorcycling champions will be visiting the Island this year and I’m sure that everyone will give him a fantastic reception along with Giacamo Agostini.’
‘We are incredibly grateful to our partners Yamaha and particularly Dainese for making this trip happen. It represents and excellent opportunity to promote the Isle of Man and the TT Races to a global audience.’
To celebrate his visit, there's a selection of Valentino Rossi merchandise available from the iomtt.com shop, as well as an extensive range of Official TT products.