Rossi excels in Ferrari 430 in Vallelunga

Italian takes third place in the GT3 class, as he participates in the 19th edition of the 6 Hours of Vallelunga in a team with Andrea Ceccato and Alessio Salucci.

Over 10,000 spectators gathered at the Vallelunga Circuit to watch Valentino Rossi on four wheels, as the MotoGP World Champion teamed up with Andrea Ceccato and Alessio Salucci in a Ferrari 430 prepared by the Kessel Team.

Fog forced the opening laps of the endurance race to be driven behind the safety car, but it was Rossi who started behind the wheel and again took over in the sixth hour. However, there were problems for the Italian trio, as mechanical issues and an outbreak of fire in the closing stages prevented them from challenging for victory.

Rossi and his team-mates eventually finished third in the GT3 class, behind the Corvette of Emanuele Pirro, Carlo Graziani and Elio Marchetti and the Ferrari 430 of Forgione, Carugati and La Mazza.

“We had a bit of misfortune at the end, so I’d like to come back and try again,” said Rossi. “If there is an opportunity to return next year, I’d be happy to, because when you are at the front only 40 minutes from the end it leaves a bit of a bitter taste.”

“I was scared a little by the fire, but the safety guys were very quick to react. It’s tough, because we came close to victory. There wasn’t a battle at the start because of the safety car, but we’ve all had fun because we ran well and had many fans who came along.”

Pirro, who won the GT3 class, was quick to acknowledge Rossi’s efforts, and said, “Valentino is an example for everyone, because he’s a champion and has the humility to try different disciplines, without regret and giving his all.”

Lorenzo Fan Club has first gala dinner

Friday saw Jorge Lorenzo meet with his official fan club at a dinner, and the Spanish rider gave his thoughts on how his plans for 2010 are progressing.

There were 150 attendees at a gala dinner hosted by Jorge Lorenzo’s official fan club on Friday, as the 2009 MotoGP World Championship runner-up enjoyed an event at which five of his ‘alter egos’ wore designs displayed by the Mallorcan rider at various stages this season.

There was also a raffle in which some of the Spaniard’s racing equipment was auctioned, including X-Lite helmets, Dainese gloves and Fiat Yamaha memorabilia.

“I have been impressed. I found it very funny that there were the five Lorenzos, especially in this spectacular venue,” said Lorenzo of the event held at Opium in Barcelona. “This was the first dinner of the official fans’ club; 2009 was the first year with the fan club and it’s very important to me that so many people have come.”

Lorenzo underwent a minor operation last week to remove a titanium plate in his left collarbone, and the 22 year-old’s recovery is going well, as are his early preparations for the new campaign.

“At the moment, the most important thing is to finish taking care of my left collarbone after my recent operation, and I’m much better now,” he said. “Then I’ll go to Indonesia and Bali to rest. Afterwards, we have to begin preparations for pre-season.”

Lorenzo continued, “The first feelings on the M1 are very positive. We are living in very competitive times and must be very happy to improve by a few tenths of a second. I’m also very happy with the work done by Yamaha, and next time it is available we’ll be able to test the new engine with more horsepower.”

Casting his thoughts further ahead, Lorenzo commented on his future beyond the end of next season.

“We’ll see what happens during the year. Never, or very rarely, has there been a situation with the top four riders out of contract at the same time. It will be very interesting to see how it develops,” he stated. “For me, Yamaha is the priority, they have put their confidence in me and I enjoy working with them a lot. Anyway, never say never.”