Rossi gives his Mugello helmet to the Hayden family

Rossi has given the family of Nicky Hayden the helmet he wore during the Mugello Italian Grand Prix – which fused 46 and 69 to pay tribute to the Kentucky Kid.

Admired on and off the track, the motorcycling community sent messages of encouragement to both Nicky in the days after the accident and his Family after his passing. One of the most vocal was Valentino Rossi – who had raced with Hayden a lot over the years. ‘The Doctor’ even wrote a letter praising Hayden, remembering the good times and sending him all his support.

After news of Nicky’s death, Aldo Druddi created a special helmet for the Mugello GP merging Valentino’s infamous 46 with the 69 of Hayden.

Now, a few months later, Nicky’s brother Roger has revealed that Valentino Rossi has sent the Hayden family the helmet with a small note which read: “For the Hayden family.  I’ve always had a great time with Nicky and with you all. ”