Rossi to ride Goodwood FOS

He wowed the world with an incredible tutorial in GP riding at the weekend, and now he’s confirmed that he’ll take part in this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

This year’s event takes place from June 25-28, and is themed ‘Flat-Out and Fearless: Racing on the Edge’, something Vale is the master of.

The 36-year-old will race at the Dutch TT at Assen on Saturday June 27, then fly to the UK to launch his M1 up the fabled 1.16-mile Hillclimb on Sunday June 28.

“I am very happy to attend the Festival of Speed this year,” said Valentino. “It will be my first time at Goodwood, but I know this event pretty well. I have read so many stories about it, and seen many videos. The atmosphere looks gorgeous. This event has the power to gather so many drivers, riders and motorsport VIPs and it is a great opportunity to have fun together. I’ll ride my Yamaha YZR-M1 to celebrate Yamaha Motor’s 60th anniversary, but I might also drive a few cars. I would like to thank Lord March for the invitation, I am sure it’s going to be a beautiful day!”

Rossi joins a superb line-up of motorcycle racers past and present that already includes grand prix world champions Kenny Roberts Snr, Freddie Spencer and Casey Stoner – who will be riding up the hill on all three days of the Festival – plus current Superbike aces Leon Haslam and Ryuichi Kiyonari and others.

Lord March said: “It’s terrific news that Valentino Rossi will be making his Festival of Speed debut this year. He’s the most successful premier-class grand prix rider in history and will be an incredibly popular figure for the growing number of extremely-passionate and knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiasts that join us every year.”

Casey Stoner will be riding on all three days of the Festival, in his first visit to the event since 2006. The Aussie, who will also return to motorcycle racing this year at the Suzuka 8hr, will be riding a Honda MotoGP bike up the hill.

Jim Redman and Freddie Spencer will also be riding Hondas at the Festival, with Spencer celebrating the 30th anniversary of his dual 250/500 title season. Meanwhile, Kenny Roberts Snr will be riding a YZR500, and Giacomo Agostini will be firing various MV Agustas up the hallowed tarmac. Two and four-wheel legend John Surtees will be taking his regular place at the event, charging the hill with machinery from his own collection. Sammy Miller will ride a Moto Guzzi V8 from his museum, while Leon Haslam will be riding some the latest Aprilia kit.

Tickets for FoS adult admission start from £30, with 13-21 year-olds half-price, and under-13s go free. More ticket information is available from the Goodwood FOS website, or via the ticket office, on 01243 755055.