He Got Game: Rossi launches his new video game at Monster Energy Catalan GP

A new two year contract, victory at Jerez, a special video series and now his own ‘Valentino Rossi The Game’: 2016 is shaping up to be another memorable stage in a remarkable two decade career for the venerable Italian. ’46’ swapped the gentle padding of the Yamaha M1 handlebar grips for the controls of a console remote yesterday high in the recesses of the Montmelo circuit, a short distance outside of Barcelona to show his ‘virtual’ capabilities around the dynamics of his first dedicated video game title.

Made in conjunction with official MotoGP and MXGP studio Milestone ‘VRTG’ is a slightly different take on the traditional ‘racer’. It taps into alternative spheres of Valentino’s life and competition by allowing the gamer to compete on MotoGP tracks (even with 125, 250 and 500cc bikes and tracks like Assen in 2002 and Welkom in 2004), his dirt-track ‘Ranch’ back in his hometown of Tavullia and also take a Ford for a spin at the Monza Rally; a key fixture in Vale’s diary for the last three years.

Vale was adept at steering his digital self around some of the tracks contained inside the game and even challenged Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (who was not shy about his unfamiliarity with console offerings) to a quick spin. Watched by some of the VR46 Academy riders who also feature, Rossi took time to comment on the first major project of this type of his career. “We’ve worked hard for this and it is a little bit like a dream; I grew up playing the Colin McRae Rally game and so it is great to finally have one in my own name!” he enthused. “I tried to give as much feedback as I could on my feeling on my bike and we also opened up our track at Tavullia and the Monza Rally as well so I think it will be a great experience for everyone and I hope they will enjoy it.”

“This is our fourth game with Milestone and it is a great honour to be here with Vale, VR46 and everybody,” offered Ezpeleta. ‘It is a little late for me to play! But I’m sure people will enjoy.”

The Monster Energy Gran Premi de Catalunya – the seventh round of MotoGP this year – gets underway this weekend and with the vast ‘beach setting’ of the Monster Compound offering fans and spectators the chance to try ‘Valentino Rossi The Game’ as part of the event experience.

The title from Milestone hits download status and shop shelves from June 16th and is available for PlayStation, Xbox and PC.