She kept us waiting, but Valentino Rossi and Francesca Sofia Novello’s daughter was born earlier this morning. The rider himself made the announcement on social media, with an image showing the foot of tiny Giulietta, as she has been named.

Rossi: "We’re on seventh heaven"

Those who were betting on a name like “Valentina” or “Vittoria” couldn’t have been more wrong, as the two best-known new parents in Italy have opted for a more traditional name, Giulietta. But the nine-time champion together with girlfriend, model Francesca Sofia Novello, chose to announce the birth in a very modern way, via social media.

Only yesterday, Francesca had published an Instagram story explaining how she had preferred to keep quiet on social media in recent days, considering the delicate moment, and now today comes the news we’ve all been waiting for: “Mummy and daddy”, the post reads, “are on seventh heaven! Welcome Giulietta Rossi”. Many were quick to congratulate the couple of course, from the VR46 Racing team to friend and singer Cesare Cremonini.

Vale was expected to be at Imola to test the car today but the birth meant that this has not happened. The Italian driver’s team-mates are out on track with the car.

Translated by Heather Watson

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