The reigning World Champion wants to deliver something special for the fans in his home race at Misano this weekend, despite still not being fully fit.

Valentino Rossi returns to one of his happiest hunting grounds of recent seasons this weekend and a home race as well as the World Championship calls on Misano for Round 12. The Italian has won for the previous two years at the circuit and whilst he arrives in a very different situation this time around he is hoping for something special for the adoring home support he will receive.

“It's my home race and it's near my house so it's always very special to race there, in front of all of my fans,” said the 31 year-old. “I have won there the last two years but this year we come in slightly different circumstances. Still, we will be trying our hardest and I really hope I can give the fans a good show!"

Straight into the weekend off the back of the Indianapolis round will prove another test of the recovering Rossi’s physical condition, but the advancements made with the set-up of his M1 have provided him with a positive stance.

"In Indianapolis we made some progress with our race setting but the conditions made me realise that I'm still not 100% fit. It's hard going straight to Misano with no break but hopefully it will be a little bit cooler than Indy!” Rossi added.

Davide Brivio, Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha Team Manager, has also been encouraged by the steps taken at Indy and hopes they can be further advanced in Misano.

"We were happy after Indy because despite the difficulties of the weekend it ended on a good note and Valentino was able to ride how he wanted in the race, even if it wasn't for the whole race because of the heat and his physical condition. It shows that we're going in the right direction towards our goal of a strong end to the season,” said Brivio.

“Now we go to our ‘home' track, close to our workshop and even closer to Vale's house! We've had two great years there and we will be doing the best we can do put on another good show for all Valentino's fans at Misano."