On the eve of this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix, Lino Dainese, founder and president of Dainese S.p.a., appointed Valentino Rossi as Honorary President of AGV, the Italian crash helmet company acquired by Dainese in 2007.

"Valentino Rossi has been the thread, or rather the steel cable, that has managed to keep AGV connected with motorcycle racing at times when this historic firm had lost that particular verve and freshness which, from its outset, had made it become a world leader in the manufacture of crash helmets," said Dainese.

"Thanks to his exploits, his commitment to his craft and his enthusiasm, Valentino has nurtured the AGV brand, taking it to the highest level of the podium. That is why AGV has decided to make Valentino Rossi an Honorary President of AGV."

The event also saw the presentation of a book published in celebration of AGVs 60thAnniversary.

Giacomo Agostini, whose record of 68 premier-class wins Rossi could equal this weekend, attended the event as guest of honour.