ROSSI SECOND IN MONZA RALLY SHOW

Putting what has been an undeniably frustrating MotoGP season behind him, Rossi proved yet again he's no slouch on four wheels. The Ducati MotoGP rider beat recognised rally specialists in two of the event's nine stages, all while sporting a tribute to his friend and fellow MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli on the flanks of his Ford Fiesta rally car.

At the end of the three days, the winning driver would receive the 'Master Show-Marco Simoncelli Trophy'. The award was renamed in honour of Simoncelli, who had been due to compete in this year's event in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC car.

Eight times World Rally champion, Sebastien Loeb, won the event in his Citroen DS3 WRC, and received the Master Show- Marco Simoncelli Trophy. Rossi finished 24 seconds behind in second place, with multiple 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Dindo Capello coming in third.

Among other familiar motorcycling names in the competition were former Yamaha MotoGP team manager, Davide Brivio who finished seventh overall, and Rossi's longtime offsider, Uccio, who came in 31st. Premier class riders who competed in the event included Andrea Dovizioso, who finished 54th, Claudio Corti in 60th, and Andrea Iannone, who finished in 70th overall.