MotoGP in Mugello

Welcome to Italy ... the land of Ducatis, Ferraris and Alpha Romeos. And Valentino Rossi. Rossi took advantage of being on his home turf, and secured the pole position for tomorrow's Gran Premio D'Italia Alice, his first since switching over to Bridgestone tyres. It should be noted that Rossi has won a few times already in Mugello ... he'll be going for his 7th consecutive victory tomorrow.

Carrying on a tradition that I didn't even know existed, Rossi pulled out a special helmet for the home event, featuring his likeness with a slightly shocked expression on the top (see pic below, courtesy Crash.net). According to Rossi, it's an actual image of him braking at the end of the long straight at Mugello: hopefully it'll bring him some luck, and he can continue his winning ways. I for one am happy to see The Doctor back on top of the World Championship standings, but I wouldn't mind seeing a close race between he and Casey Stoner (who starts the rice from position 1 on the second row). The 2 Americans, Edwards & Hayden round out the 2nd row, while Pedrosa & Capirossi join Rossi up front. Snaps for Capirossi, for stopping the early-season suckage!