What is your earliest sporting memory? When I was 10, my father, Graziano, who was also a grand prix rider, took me to a go-kart competition. I finished sixth out of 15 karts. I was happy with that

NI_MPU(‘middle’);

When did you realise you would succeed as a motorcyclist? Winning the 500cc world championship at Phillip Island, Australia, in 2001 was a turning point. I became only the third man to win world titles in three different classes. It gave me the belief to be more successful

Who is your sporting hero? Although I am an Internazionale fan, I would say Diego Maradona, who played for Napoli for seven years. He was the world’s No 1 footballer and had spectacular skills

Who else do you admire? Al Pacino, especially in the film Scarface

What would you have done if you had not been involved in sport? I would have probably stolen cars — it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing

Away from the track, what ambitions do you have? To relax, maybe start a family and live a normal life. This would be impossible to achieve in Italy, where I am asked constantly for my autograph

What hobbies and interests do you have? Snowboarding, skiing, motocross, watching movies, going to the gym and spending time with close friends in Italy and London

What is your favourite film? The Blues Brothers, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi

NI_MPU(‘middle’);

What is your favourite TV programme? The Simpsons. It is so clever. I watch it all the time

What car do you drive? A BMW M3. I also own a Yamaha motorbike but always respect the speed limit!

What is the last CD you bought? Scissor Sisters. I also enjoy Coldplay and Dire Straits

What is your most embarrassing sporting memory? In 1993, in my first race on a Cagiva 125cc bike in the Italian sport production championship, I fell at the first corner of the practice round in Magione, near Perugia. I recovered to finish ninth in the race because I was not badly injured — just my pride was hurt

The Valentino Rossi Autobiography, What If I Had Never Tried It, Century, £18.99