Rossi unveils 2017 Mugello helmet
Valentino Rossi has unveiled his special edition 2017 Mugello helmet, as tradition on the Saturday morning in Italy.
This year’s helmet pays tribute to former team-mate Nicky Hayden and with a mix of football in there too. Rossi called this years helmet the 469, with his 46 blended into the 69 of Nicky Hayden, sharing the number six.
On the top of the helmet there is a cartoon of Rossi – plastered, taking a joke at the fact he is currently injured. Rossi is placing the ball down for a penalty in an Italy kit and is paying tribute to former Roma captain Francesco Totti who retired after 26 years with the Italian club.
Rossi is saying “shall I chip”, in reference to a “paneka” penalty, which is also the title of Totti’s book. Then on the back it reads “One captain. There is only one captain” as a tribute to Totti.
Heading into Saturday morning’s FP3, the Italian was twelfth fastest overall as he continues to battle the chest injuries sustained last week in a MX crash.
Photos via Dorna video feed and Valentino Rossi
Valentino is good people, his helmets are always awesome and the way he had them incorporate Nicky Haden into his helmet is just another tribute to a great man. In America, Valentino is a true hero. Being able to meet Valentino is #1 on my bucket list. Last year I missed out on an opportunity to see him at the Circuit of Americas. I live only 45 minute ride from the track, had tickets for the race but on April 1st 2016 my wife and I hit a Black Angus COW at 70 miles an hour on my motorcycle on HWY 410. By the grace of God we were both saved. 5 months in the hospital recovering from our major injuries. I have 2 Rossi Helmets, Rossi Jacket and of course my bike has 46 all over it. I just believe that Rossi is a great person, Greatest rider of all time and applaud him for the 469 out of respect for Nicky. Nicky was a great man as well, RIP Nicky you will be missed.