Rossi meets fans at Leicester Square.

Over 5000 fans packed the famous Leicester Square in London yesterday (Thursday) to meet the MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi. In the square most famous for its movie premiers, the 25 year-old received a film star welcome from his adoring fans.

Rossi fans, Leicester Square 21 July 2004
Rossi fans, Leicester Square 21 July 2004
© Gold and Goose

Over 5000 fans packed the famous Leicester Square in London yesterday (Thursday) to meet the MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi. In the square most famous for its movie premiers, the 25 year-old received a film star welcome from his adoring fans.

"It was a fantastic afternoon with even more people than in previous year's," explained Rossi, before leaving for Donington Park to compete in the British Grand Prix. "I live in London and so it's almost like meeting my home fans although there were plenty of Italians there. I love racing in Britain and at Donington Park and all these people make me very welcome."

Qualifying for the British Grand Prix at Donington starts tomorrow (Friday) and Rossi leads the MotoGP by a single point from his great rival Max Biaggi at the half way stage of the 16-round season.

Later in the evening at Home House in Central London, HRH Princess Anne attended a special Grand Prix ball which was supporting the Riders for Health Charity.

Princess Anne is the official patron of the Charity which is supported by all the MotoGP teams and riders.

Read More