Recently, Valentino Rossi had the opportunity to attend a meeting with the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
It was during a courtesy meeting between the Italian Motor Federation (IMF) and the Italian government at the Quirinal Palace, Italy.
Valentino Rossi attended this important meeting with his girlfriend, Francesca Sofia Novello, as a representative of the IMF.
Not only Rossi, there was also his student Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati boss Gigi Dall'Igna along with several IMF officials.
Then there's Antonio 'Tony' Cairolli, the MXGP superstar who retired along with Valentino Rossi this year, and several other racing athletes from various categories.
"It was a great meeting where President Mattarella understood the value of the sporting and social side of motorsport in Italy," IMF President Giovanni Copiol was quoted as saying by Paddock-GP.
In his speech, President Mattarella talked a lot about The Doctor's retirement.
The president is quite familiar with Rossi's famous stunts in Italy.
The presence of Rossi and Cairolli is a sign that their era in Italian racing is over, with young riders like Pecco taking up the mantle.
"It's an emotional meeting in a place as nice as the Quirinal. The words of the President mean a lot and I am happy to participate in this event," Rossi said.
At this event, Rossi also gave a memento in the form of a helmet to President Mattarella.
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