MotoGP: Rossi takes Monza Rally win

Valentino Rossi has rounded off his 2016 season in style by successfully defending his Monza Rally victory with a stunning win at the three-day car race in Italy, winning from World Rally regular and factory Hyundai driver Dani Sordo by 20 seconds after the ten-stage event.

Rossi traditionally takes to four wheels to finish off his season, admitting to MCN that after last year’s difficult end to the MotoGP season that it was a cathartic experience to step away from two-wheeled racing for a no-pressure event in front of his home fans.

And, with the winter testing ban now in place and the 2017 MotoGP season some two months away, the Italian admitted that it was time for a well-deserved holiday after the intense last two months.

“I’ll try to relax now, because this season was very long and with a lot of pressure. From tonight, I’m officially in holiday mode! I’ll stay at home, hope for some snow so that I can spend some time snowboarding, and just relax.”

It was a good weekend for the rest of the VR46 team as well, with Suzuki MotoGP team boss Davide Brivio and brother Roberto finishing fifth and best friend Uccio Saluccio in ninth.