London to give Rossi the red carpet treatment.

A movie-star welcome awaits the MotoGP World Champion as Rossi-mania arrives in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of the Cinzano British Grand Prix.

Valentino Rossi lives in London and the flamboyant Italian will arrive in style aboard a Honda Goldwing motorcycle with an escort of out-riders, before offering race fans the chance to take part in a question-and-answer session.

"I can't wait to start the British Grand Prix party by riding into Leicester Square," said the MotoGP World Championship leader. "I love living in London and British race fans are great. Honda are giving away some top prizes and letting me loose on a big Goldwing so lets get the party started!"

Rossi will arrive in Leicester Square at around 3pm, giving away signed posters and T shirts along with a 15-minute autograph session before leaving at around 4pm. Competitions at the event also include prizes such as a signed helmet and authentic paddock scooter.