Valentino Rossi turns 40 on Saturday but at a time when most of his contemporaries have long hung up their leathers the nine-time world champion shows no signs of slowing down. With many of his MotoGP rivals less than half his age, the Italian could be forgiven for putting more thought towards contemplating his healthy bank balance rather than working out how to save half a second per lap.

But for a man addicted to speed there is no chance of him turning his back on his £8million-a-year contract with the Movistar Yamaha team. Ever since he turned his first wheel on a world championship circuit 23 years ago Rossi has been winning admirers and capturing hearts with his cheeky grin and an obvious disregard for personal safety.