Italian MotoGP stars named 'Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy'
Valentino Rossi, Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi have been recognised as Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy by the Italian government.
Current MotoGP riders Marco Bezzecchi and Pecco Bagnaia joined Italian legends Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini and Max Biaggi in being named Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy.
The honours were presented by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during the launch of the "Moto d'Italia - Cultura oltre la pista" initiative at Mugello.
The initiative is dedicated to ‘promoting motorcycling as an example of Italian industrial, technological, sporting, and cultural excellence, and as a tool of sports diplomacy to strengthen Italy’s image worldwide’.
The riders were recognised for their contribution to promoting Italy through motorsport.
Bezzecchi, speaking via videoconference after undergoing surgery on a fractured collarbone sustained at the Sachsenring last weekend, said:
"I am very proud to have been appointed Sports Diplomacy Ambassador, and I would like to thank Minister Antonio Tajani for entrusting me with this role.
“It is a unique responsibility, and I will do my utmost to live up to it. I feel very fortunate because at Aprilia I have found a fantastic team who care about me and work hard, both on the track and in Noale, and this is truly important to me.
“Winning at Mugello, on an Italian motorbike with a factory team, and carrying the Italian flag onto the podium was an incredible feeling. Even now, when I think back on it, I get goosebumps."
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola added: "On behalf of the Piaggio Group, we are truly grateful to be here today.
“Our Group comprises major brands, including Vespa – one of our country's most iconic brands, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year – Moto Guzzi and, of course, Aprilia.
“Aprilia, like the entire Piaggio Group, embodies Italian spirit around the world, and we are extremely proud of this.
“We have a great responsibility, but we are also extraordinarily fortunate to be based in the most beautiful country in the world.
“This motivates us even more and makes us feel honoured to have Italian competitors, with whom we wish to continue exporting our excellence and our passion around the world."
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
