While Valentino Rossi may have lost out to Usain Bolt as Sportsman of the Year that the prestigious Laureus World Sports assigns every year, but this afternoon the 9 times World Champion was honoured anyway when he was presented with the “Winning Italy” Award by the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini at Palazzo Madama in Rome.
The award is given to those Italians who promote the image of Italy in the world, be it economics, research or sports and in the case of Rossi it’s because the World Champion has become an icon who represents the marvellous virtues of Italy on a foreign front, making all his compatriots proud to be Italian and with his 103 wins has sounded the Italian national anthem in the five continents.
After the awards ceremony there was the usual round of questions by journalists and as always the topics were: Ducati – “Going to Ducati would be a sort of betrayal, with Yamaha I share a beautiful story, though I have to admit that with Borgo Panigale it would be a perfect Made in Italy partnership” but also added “never say never.
” The never ending story about switching to Formula1 with Ferrari : “I don’t think so, it would be very difficult, I’m going to stay in motorcycle racing for a couple more years.
”Rossi also promised that he’ll try to have the national anthem sounded at least another twenty times to try to beat Giacomo Agostini’s record of a 122 race wins (123 races according to Agostini).