Rossi to experience Bologna Motor Show action

A wealth of talent will be on show at the 2009 Findomestic Memorial Bettega, set to be held at the Motor Show in Bologna on 7-8 December. Alongside FIA WRC World Rally Champions Petter Solberg and Marcus Gronholm, FIA Junior WRC World Champion Sébastien Ogier and 2009 FIA WRC World Rally runner-up Mikko Hirvonen, the Motorsport Arena will also see nine-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi in action.

The Italian rider has decided to return to the Motor Show after previously experiencing the Memorial Bettega. Rossi will get behind the wheel of the Ford Focus WRC prepared by Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport in the team’s UK factory.

According to official Ford driver Hirvonen, who has already raced on the mixed tarmac/dirt track of the Findomestic Memorial Bettega, Rossi will provide stiff competition alongside the other participants.

“As far as I'm concerned, all of the adversaries are dangerous, especially given that the starting line up includes drivers of the calibre of Gronholm, Solberg, Ogier, Navarra and Östberg, to say nothing of the great Valentino,” said Hirvonen.

Other motorcycling names will go head-to-head in the Yokohama Superbikers Drifting contest, where they will be at the wheel of Ford Mustangs prepared by Gandin Motors and fitted with Yokohama tyres. Amongst those who will unleash the horsepower of the US coupés will be Andrea Dovizioso, Mattia Pasini, Andrea Iannone and Loris Reggiani.