Rossi’s rally comeback

Six-times MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi will be sprinkling some much-needed spice on to next month’s Wales Rally GB.

With the World Rally Championship already safely secured by Citroen star Sebastien Loeb, Rossi’s appearance in a top-class Ford Focus is sure to grab the headlines, as well as further fuelling speculation of a switch to four wheels.

It will be the 29-year-old Italian’s third outing in the WRC, and his second in the fearsome Welsh forests. His first was back in 2002 and ended nearly before it started, with Rossi planting his Peugeot 206 WRC into the trees after little more than 10 miles.

His second appearance in New Zealand four years later was rather more successful, as the bike maestro went the full distance in a Subaru Impreza and finished just outside the top 10. “This is really exciting news,” said Rossi, whose car will support the BBC’s Children In Need charity. “I love to race with the rally car. It is one of my great passions. Unfortunately, the only time during the year I can do this is in November and December. But I am always quite excited, as I have fun with the car and there is less pressure than when I ride the motorcycle.”

Understandably, event organisers are thrilled to have such a big star revving up interest in what otherwise could have been a low-key conclusion to this year’s championship.

“He’s a supreme ambassador for all forms of motorsport, as well as a remarkably gifted sportsman,” said Wales Rally boss Andrew Coe. “We
look forward to seeing him take on the challenges of the Welsh forests.”

As well as expressing an interest in a possible move to rallying, Rossi tested a Ferrari Formula One car in 2006. He is keen to do so again – albeit purely for pleasure. “I’m happy if they let me try it again, but only for fun; there is no other ambition, as I have signed a contract for two more years at Yamaha,” he insisted.