London, July 09: World MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi took a river trip in London before travelling to Donington Park to race in the British MotoGP this weekend. Rossi raced up and down the River Thames in a Honda powerboat on Tuesday (July 8) before slowing alongside a riverboat filled with photographers and reporters. The reigning champion, and current championship leader, said he was happy with his present lead of 38 points over Sete Gibernau of Spain, who had two recent wins in the rain at Le Mans and Assen. Rossi broke a thumb in a fall in practice at Donington last year but recovered to win the event. The Honda rider says he hopes that it does not rain at Donington this year as he does not like racing in the rain. Last year Rossi had a huge points lead in the championship by July. But this year the Italian has 151 points while Gibernau has 113 with nine races still to run, so a change of leadership is possible.


Rossi also confirmed that he is hoping to drive in the British rally in November. Last year he made his debut in the event but crashed in fog on the first day.


This year the rally, in November, comes immediately after the final motorcycle grand prix held at Valencia which may cause problems. But Rossi wants to do the event if he can.


Bureau Report