Valentino Rossi has become the first rider to be invited to join the British Racing Drivers’ Club solely on motorcycle racing achievements. The Italian has nine Grand Prix world titles to his name and heads to next weekend’s British GP at Silverstone in a share of the 2015 championship lead with Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo.
With honorary membership only gained by invitation, Rossi has spoken of his delight to be invited into such and exclusive club and hopes to celebrate with a successful visit next weekend.
“I am very honoured to have been invited to become an Honorary Member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club. I know it’s very difficult to become a member of this exclusive club, there are very selective criteria. There is no rider in the BRDC, I will be the first and for this I am even more honoured. I look forward to meeting the President, Derek Warwick, who I know and esteem for his career in Formula 1. I hope that I will have a good result at the Silverstone Grand Prix to honour my entry into the British Racing Drivers’ Club!”
BRDC Vice-President and four-time 500cc world champion John Surtees believes Rossi’s achievements justify his inclusion and expects to see him competing for victory in next weekend’s British Grand Prix.
“Valentino is without any doubt one of the greatest motorcycle riders ever in a sport that has played an extremely important part in Silverstone’s history. He has a huge number of British fans and, along with Cal, Bradley, Scott, Sam, Danny and John, will be putting on a fantastic show for the Silverstone crowd on 30 August.”
