2001 Mugello Helmet

Location: Grand Prix of Italy (Gran Premio d’Italia Alice ), Mugello

Date: Sunday, 3rd June, 2001

Race position: DNF

Valentino Rossi’s 2001 trip to Mugello did not end well and despite the rain and the storm clouds, Rossi was decked out in a bright Hawaiian style livery with a helmet to match.

The race itself was red flagged and then restarted. In the first race Rossi managed to fight with the front runners but the wet track conditions saw Rossi crash his Nastro Azzuro sponsored NSR Honda on the way to the grid and Rossi was sent flying down the track. He was unhurt and managed to start the second race (which was now being judged on aggregate timing to decide the outcome) on a new bike. Again, after some strong fighting towards the front Rossi crashed again whilst overtaking Capirossi on the esses. Rossi’s bike seemed to lowside on the apex of he corner and it was race over for Valentino.

Alex Barros led on aggregate, Caprirossi came second, and Max Biaggi came third allowing him to close the points gap on the previously dominant Rossi.

AGV 2001 Mugello Helmet:

The helmet Valentino wore for the Mugello race was a Hawaiian design designed by Aldo Drudi. The helmet had a blue background that featured numerous lighter blue hibiscus flowers. The sun design was placed at the front of the helmet with the valentino face logo in the centre - in each of the suns rays that zig zag back across the helemt are more flowers. The moon is featured on the rear of the helmet.