Italian star's dad says motivation will be sky-high in 2007 (ANSA) - Rome, October 30 - Italy's Valentino Rossi will recover quickly from seeing the 2006 MotoGP title slip through his fingers and come back in 2007 more motivated than ever, the Yamaha rider's father said on Monday .

Graziano Rossi, one of his son's biggest fans, admitted that the 27-year-old star was bitterly disappointed after falling on lap five of the Valencia Grand Prix and thus handing the title to American rival Nicky Hayden. But he said the rider, who has won seven world titles already, would benefit from his defeat - an unaccustomed experience witnessed by nearly nine million Italians on television .

"I know my son and his character. Valentino will want to prove himself now. Next year he'll be more motivated than ever." "A defeat could also enrich him," he added .


Rossi's fans were stunned on Sunday when the widely acclaimed phenomenon of MotoGP fell at the start of the last race of the season and effectively threw away his perfect opportunity to win an eighth title .

Before the race he had an eight-point advantage over Hayden and oozed confidence, especially after winning pole position. He only had to finish ahead of his Honda rival to take the championship .

But he started badly and then, pushing too hard on a bend, skidded off the track. After the race, which he finished in 13th place, he admitted he had been overly sure of himself .

"I thought I was invincible, but that's only true for comic book heroes," he said .

Italian newspapers gave his unexpected defeat front-page treatment, printing pictures of Rossi falling from his bike. They also paid tribute to his stature as a sportsman, noting that he had staged a thrilling comeback since the summer, when he had been 51 points behind Hayden .

Valentino - He Lost Like a Champion, headlined Gazzetta dello Sport. Corriere della Sera, Italy's best-selling daily, wrote Valentino - The Fatal Error .

There were also tributes from Italian politicians, who saw the rider as an example for the country's youth .

"Dear Valentino, true champions show their colours in moments of difficulty," said Premier Romano Prodi. "Italy appreciates what you have done and the excitement you have provided this season, as you have in the past" .

Rossi also received encouragement from Ferrari star Michael Schumacher, who has just retired from Formula 1 racing at the age of 37 .

"I'm crossing my fingers for you. You have many years ahead of you to win more," the German said .