Valentino Rossi is among the sportspersons to be honoured by ITA Airways, with the airline choosing to name some of its airbuses - all strictly blue in colour of course - after various Italian sports stars.

Rossi with Agostini and Simoncelli

Rossi’s name joins those of other sporting heroes who have made Italian history, the likes of Paolo Rossi, Pietro Mennea, Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi, as well as two other motorcycle legends, namely Giacomo Agostini and Marco Simoncelli.

ITA Airways has paid tribute to the Doctor with an Instagram post: “Nine world titles and the only rider in history to have won in four different classes. Always with the number 46. Here’s our Airbus A350 dedicated to world motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi. What a sight."

And Valentino was quick to respond in kind: “It’s great to see my name on your plane. I’m pleased to be one of ITA Airways’ Blue Legends”, responded #46.

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Un post condiviso da ITA Airways (@itaairways_official)

Translated by Heather Watson

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