WE ALL KNOW how passionate the Italians are about their racing heros. So it may come as little surprise to find out that Valentino Rossi's home town of Tavullia is preparing for the Grand Prix of San Marino at Misano circuit in their own unique way.

Life-size cardboard cut-outs of the eight-time motorcycle world champion adorn street corners, balconies and shop windows all around the sleepy Italian village. It seems wherever you go in Rossi's home town the eyes of The Doctor are never far away.

Don't you just love their enthusiasm? Somehow, we can't see the folk of Sheffield doing the same for James Toseland!