Valentino Rossi scoops rally award

Valentino Rossi’s impressive performance in last weekend’s Wales Rally GB earned him the Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally award.

Rossi collected the award after he finished 12th in the punishing rally, which was run in treacherous conditions throughout an icy three days.

The Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally award recognises parties demonstrating the same values that the UAE capital stands for: respect, innovation, integrity and teamwork.

It also acknowledges a positive contribution to WRC and reigning MotoGP world champion Rossi collected the honour in Wales.

“I’m very proud to receive the Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally award. I think it is a great idea for Abu Dhabi to provide this and it helps to show the effort that people put into motorsport, “said the Italian, who drove for the Stobart Motorsport squad in a WRC Ford Focus.