ROSSI HELMETS

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

Date: Sunday, June 5, 2005

Race position: 1st

The Mugello MotoGP of 2005 was full of drama, in a race that saw Rossi take his 4th consecutive win at the Mugello circuit. It was by no means an easy win, and Rossi was forced to battle with bitter rival Max Biaggi until the very end. Rossi started the race in pole position but swiftly slipped down to 4th place - he quickly forght his way back up the field and engaged in a thrilling battle with Marco Melandri and Biaggi, until Rossi, with two laps to go, managed to grab the lead for good.

Aside from the thrilling racing, Rossi also made the news by wearing a special helmet for the race to celebrate him becoming a genuine, real Doctor. Earlier in the same week, Rossi was awarded the “láurea ad honorem” in communications and publicity by his hometown University in Urbino. University Rector Carlo Bo, Giovanni Bogliolo made the presentation to Rossi citing it was a special award for the positive influence that he had set as a role model, and also in recognition of his achievements as a rider.

The helmet design was in a cartoon style and featured Rossi on the top of the helmet holding his doctorate, with the caption ‘Valentino dottore per davvero’ (translated as: “Valentino, truly doctor”). The colours of the Italian flag are wrapped around the helmet, with the sun and moon featured just under the visor. The rear of the helmet featured the words “Il Laureato”, with a small gold coloured number ’1′ above it.

Image Gallery of the AGV ‘Il Laureato’ Helmet: