VALENTINO ROSSI

Class: MotoGP
Number: 46
Team: Repsol Honda
Bike: Honda
Date of birth: 16/2/1979
Place of birth: Urbino
Age: 24
Residence: London
Nationality: ITALY
Weight: 59 kg.

In 2001 Valentino Rossi, conqueror of the 125, 250 and 500 World Championships in his second season in each class, became only the second rider in the history of motorcycling to lift all three titles. Son of Graziano, celebrated rider of the seventies, the charismatic Italian entered Grand Prix with Aprilia in 1996 and is now the darling of the Repsol Honda team with which Mick Doohan enjoyed such outstanding success. Rossi's natural skill and flair has already made him a huge fans' favourite and at just 24 years of age, he is set to become one of the sports true legends. Last year he dominated the first ever MotoGP four-stroke series aboard the RC211V, and will be hoping for a repeat performance against stiffer competition in 2003.