PICTURE: Rossi's Misano helmet.

This is the special helmet design with which Valentino Rossi will attempt to claim a record-equalling 68th premier-class grand prix victory, in front of his home fans in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix.

The Misano circuit is just 15km north of the Fiat Yamaha rider's home town of Tavullia on the Adriatic coast, and the local hero is keen to delight his hordes of fans by adding another Italian win to his latest victory at Mugello earlier this year.

Rossi, San Marino MotoGP 2008
Rossi, San Marino MotoGP 2008
© Gold and Goose

This is the special helmet design with which Valentino Rossi will attempt to claim a record-equalling 68th premier-class grand prix victory, in front of his home fans in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix.

The Misano circuit is just 15km north of the Fiat Yamaha rider's home town of Tavullia on the Adriatic coast, and the local hero is keen to delight his hordes of fans by adding another Italian win to his latest victory at Mugello earlier this year.

The new design looks like a cartoon house, presumably in reference to Misano being Rossi's 'home' race.

Rossi will be hoping the new helmet brings him some luck, having retired from the 2007 San Marino Grand Prix after just five laps following an engine problem.

The Doctor, who currently holds a 50 point lead over Casey Stoner, also has a chance of claiming Italy's 700th grand prix victory on Sunday, should an Italian rider not triumph in the 125 or 250cc races.

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