Valentino Rossi isn’t new to receiving requests for help from Italian factory workers who find themselves risking their jobs due to the economic crisis.
In 2009 an important Italian newspaper published on their front page an appeal from the Yamaha workers of the Gerno di Lesmo plant to Rossi, to help sway Yamaha from moving their production line from Italy to Spain.
The Yamaha rider has now received a new appeal from 56 employees of the Motori Minarelli, who make components for motorcycles and scooters and will become redundant in mid-October.
This appeal wasn’t published on the front page of a newpaper, but posted on Rossi‘s official Facebook page by a certain Nicola that tells the story of the Motori Minelli company and how due to the economic crisis, but also bad business choices by the owners, 56 of them will lose their jobs next month.
Rossi hasn’t been the only famous rider to receive a similar appeal.
Three months ago, World Motocross champion Tony Cairoli received an open letter from 240 Husquavarna workers after they found out that Pierer Industries (KTM) who bought out the company were moving all operations from Italy to Austria.
While Cairoli, who conquered his 7th World title last month, responded via Twitter saying that he was an athlete by profession, and just a rider and didn’t know the dynamics of Pierer Industries and Husqvarna, Rossi has yet to post an answer or a comforting word.