I’ve already talked about how Valentino Rossi commands the general affection of an entire nation and it’s hard to underestimate the impact his absence is having on the 2010 MotoGP. No wonder there are rumours about a Rossi return at Laguna Seca - wishful thinking more than anything. When we checked out Lorenzo’s M1 in the Yamaha box at the MotoGP Assen, we also took a closer look at Rossi’s M1 and the stickers he enjoys decorating his bike with.

The fact that Valentino Rossi is not around only makes this umpteenth example of the strength of his personality even more potent. Is there a sense of the sacred in standing in the pre-race quiet this close to Valentino’s M1? Not quite, but there would be if I were a total Rossi nut. After the ‘be back soon’ t-shirt, I realise that while Rossi’s absence is felt amongst the whole team, there is an idea that he’s still around, playing his old antics and being one of the guys.

I had the medical men in Silverstone tell me how “flat” things were without Rossi, I had his driver talk of how much the team misses him and another team member from Fiat Yamaha went so far as to say that Lorenzo couldn’t hold a candle to their beloved Rossi: “Jorge’s a great guy, but Rossi - he’s like one of us.”

I’m continually realising how tough it must be for Lorenzo to be constantly compared to his other, more affable and charismatic teammate. Not only is Rossi a champion, he’s also a widely and very well-loved one. That’s not a feat every sports star manages to achieve. See Valentino’s M1 motorcycle stickers in the gallery below, including a fake insurance and automobile club registration he wanted to put on his bike.

Continue reading: Live with Rossi's M1 and his stickers: the Fiat Yamaha team without the Doctor

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