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The Doctor will see you now

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For motorsport fans around the world, this is the belated Christmas present they have been waiting for. Valentino Rossi has made his much anticipated debut in Ducati red as this year’s Wrooom event gets underway at Madonna di Campiglio.

The annual event, co-hosted by Italy’s motorsport royalty Ferrari and Ducati and financed largely by communal sponsor Philip Morris, is the unofficial start to the motorsport season, as the world’s press corps descend on the Italian ski slopes in a bid to fill racing’s wintry void.

But the sight of Rossi in rosso has made this year’s Wrooom particularly poignant as the 9-time motorcycle world champion joins Ducati, whose only championship triumph to date was with Australian Casey Stoner back in 2007. Rossi is unquestionably Italy’s most celebrated racer, if not one of the country’s finest sports personalities, so racing aboard an Italian machine will set the country’s pulses racing - literally. Just picture the scenes at Mugello this July...

With the first images coming in thick and fast from the attending media at Madonna, there is great expectation as to what Rossi can achieve in his maiden season with Ducati. Still struggling with the after effects of an injury-hit 2010 campaign and post-season shoulder surgery, it would be unfair to position Rossi as a favourite heading to Qatar.

Rossi himself has been quick to play down his chances in the first races with some serious concerns remaining over his shoulder. But this is Valentino Rossi, a man who track record in motorcycle racing is incomparable and whose ability to shock, inspire and astound has been seen countless times. Qatar is also a track that suits Ducati, so the fairytale result of Rossi winning his debut GP for Ducati is always going to be a possibility – even with the physical disadvantage.

Ducati has also used the occasion of Wrooom to announce a new two-year partnership with Italian clothing brand Diesel. “I am proud of the appreciation that the (Ducati) brand has gained all over the world, both in terms of design and performance. This season in particular is extraordinary, with the arrival of Valentino Rossi the association between our brands is perfectly in line with our “Only the Brave” philosophy!,” said President and Founder of Diesel Renzo Rosso.

President of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Gabriele del Torchio added: “I’m particularly proud of and pleased with this new partnership, which adds up to other significant collaborations we’ve made heading into this new sporting challenge. To be joined by a ‘Made in Italy’ icon like Diesel, and to have the personal support of a superfan like Renzo Rosso, can only bring additional motivation and credibility to the Ducati Marlboro Team and its great riders.”

The other eyebrow raiser from Madonna so far is Fernando Alonso’s Ming-esque facial hair... but that’s another matter altogether.

Chris Hughes

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