Valentino Rossi set to face Colin McRae in Monza Rally

[R1 Biker]

News, 15/11/05

Valentino Rossi will enjoy some four-wheel fun in next weekend's Monza Rally, driving a WRC-spec rally car in the event held at the famous Italian circuit.

The Yamaha rider had a shakedown in last weekend's Moto & Miti Championshow in Pesaro, where he took part in rally and karting events alongside several MotoGP stars. Rossi had several rally outings in the past, including a participation in the British RAC Rally three years ago.

Rossi will team-up with an experienced co-driver, Carlo Cassina, a former World Champion alongside Mike Biasion. Driving a Subaru Impreza WRC, Rossi will be one of the main stars of the event with WRC Legend Colin McRae, driving a Skoda Fabia.

Rossi and McRae will also face the best Italian drivers in the event finale, the Master Show, a competition held on a 1.5 km course set on the main straight of the Monza circuit.

Several well-known figures of the MotoGP paddock will also take part to the Master Show, including the Yamaha Factory team manager Davide Brivio, joined by Graziano Rossi to also drive on a Subaru Impreza. Brivio's brother Roberto, who also work in the Yamaha garage as Colin Edwards's mechanic, will enter the event on a Fiat Punto alongside Alessio Salucci - better known as Uccio, Valentino Rossi's close friend and ‘right-hand man’.