Rossi takes on Bridgestone advisory role

Six-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has signed on as a motorcycle tyre development advisor for Bridgestone following the finalisation of a Marketing Service Agreement between the Italian rider and Bridgestone Europe in February 2011. Under the agreement, Rossi and Bridgestone will, as the tyre maker explains, “work together to promote the passion of motorcycling to end users and enthusiasts throughout Europe.” Rossi will act alone as a professional rider; his MotoGP team and sponsors are not involved in the deal.

Rossi’s role will include his evaluation and opinions as an adviser on the performance of Bridgestone motorcycle tyres, particularly in the hyper sport, racing and sport touring sectors. Bridgestone in turn will use his input in tyre development to deliver road tyres with better performance and improved safety margins. “Valentino Rossi is a great ambassador for our company” says Takashi Tomioka, SVP Sales & Marketing, Bridgestone Europe. “By having advice and recommendations of the greatest motorcycle competitor of all times, we will ensure that we bring the best new Battlax tyres to the market.”