THE STEPFATHER of reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi is believed to have committed suicide.

ANSA news agency has reported that Mauro Tecchi, 52, was found dead in his house with what Police believe were self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Tecchi married Rossi's mother, Stefania Palma, in 2007.

Disturbing news for Rossi, who qualified in second spot for this weekend's Australian Moto GP race from Phillip Island.