Le Mans MotoGP: Valentino Rossi stars in Paris show

Reigning MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi warmed up for this weekend’s French MotoGP clash in Le Mans with a special pre-event appearance in Paris today, including a spectacular burnout under the world famous Eiffel Tower.

The Fiat Yamaha rider rode a production R1 in a special demonstration event organised by Monster Energy.

Despite wet conditions, the 30-year-old rode down the famous Champs-Élysées before his burnout thrilled a large crowd at the Eiffel Tower.

Rossi, who goes into this weekend’s French GP with an 11-point lead over Ducati rival Casey Stoner, said: “It was quite dangerous and slippery out there with the rain, but I managed to do a little burn-out by the Eiffel Tower.

“I did try a little wheelie too, but I was out on the roads with the police so I couldn’t be too naughty.

“It’s my first time to the Eiffel Tower so I was pleased to do that, we all had some fun out there.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend at Le Mans now, and hope I can be celebrating my 99th Grand Prix victory there.”