Bernie Ecclestone has surprised the motor racing world by turning up at the scene of this weekend’s MotoGP round in Turkey.
‘Motorcycle News’ said it is not clear why the formula one supremo is in Istanbul, or why he oddly sat in to watch and listen to the pre-event press conference, but the 76-year-old later seemed happy to pose for a photograph with the talented and popular rider Valentino Rossi.
Rossi was speaking at the press conference, sparking recollections of Ecclestone’s previous on-the-record support for the Italian’s near-switch to F1 in recent years.
But Rossi, who has tested for Ferrari on several occasions, finally put a stop to the speculation by committing for 2007 and beyond to MotoGP.
With his flamboyant on and off-track personality, however, Bernie said in 2005 that Rossi would be “ideal” for his four-wheeled sport.
