Valentino Rossi, the five-time MotoGP world champion, has been awarded the Abu Dhabi ‘Spirit of the Rally’ following an impressive 12th place finish in Wales Rally GB – the final round of the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship.

A life-long rally enthusiast, Rossi got behind the wheel of a Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus this weekend to raise money for ‘Children in Need’. And in conditions more suited to tractors than rally cars, the 29-year old didn’t disappoint, posting several lightening quick stages times in the Welsh Valleys.

In only his third ever rally start, Rossi’s bow in the WRC season’s curtain-call comes on the back of the wily Italian reclaiming the MotoGP title earlier this year - his first superbikes title since recording four consecutive championships from 2002-2005.

However, Rossi - one of the world’s highest earning sport’s personalities - was eager to team up with Stobart to raise money for charity and give a little Christmas cheer to children the world over.

“I’m very proud to receive this award. I think it is a great idea for Abu Dhabi to provide such an accolade and it helps to show the effort that people put into motor-sport. This award really is a fantastic way for me to finish off the rally,” said Rossi.

“I came to try my best and concentrated on improving my stage times and putting in a solid performance against the best drivers in the world. It has been a difficult, but very enjoyable, weekend; the Stobart team has been great.”

The Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally award recognises parties demonstrating the same values that the UAE capital stands for: respect, innovation, integrity and teamwork. It also acknowledges a positive contribution to the WRC by any of the myriad of parties involved in the sport.

“To have a champion of Valentino’s standing throw his support behind the WRC is testament to how highly regarded rallying is in the world of motorsport,” said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“The fact Valentino put his reputation on the line and entered one of calendar’s toughest WRC rounds speaks volumes for the man and the entire WRC family. To come out with such a highly commendable finish – and to have done so purely for charity - shows you his unique ability and nature as a man.

“Valentino is a worthy recipient of the Spirit of the Rally award and we hope it is not too long before we see him climbing back into a WRC car,” added Hussein.

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