The Italian seven-time world champion will arrive in HCM City together with Spanish motorcyclist Maverick Vinales, following an invitation from Yamaha, a Japanese manufacturer of motorcycles, to take part in the Y-rider 2017.

Y-rider is the biggest festival of Yamaha bikers in Vietnam, an event where people come to discus and exchange their experiences as well as watch motor performances.

It is the event’s second year straight. Last year, the Y-rider lured nearly 1,200 participants in Danang City.

Apart from their planned activities, the duo will spend time to chit-cha t with Vietnamese fans.

Rossi, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on February 16, is considered to be the greatest and one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, with nine Grand Prix World Championships to his name – seven of which are in the premier class. Four of his titles he gained when he wore Yamaha jersey.

Vinales, 21, is best known for winning the 2013 Moto3 World Championship. In 2015, he won the best rookie award in the MotoGP class. He joined the Yamaha team at the end of last year’s  season.

VNS