Valentino Rossi tests Dainese’s new ‘Project Apex’ safety innovations
Valentino Rossi has shared incredible drone footage of him riding at Mugello as part of a test for Dainese.
Dainese’s ‘Project Apex’, which will roll out new safety innovations that will become standard in MotoGP and on the road in 2026, has been tested by none other than Valentino Rossi.
The nine-time world champion, who won seven of those titles in MotoGP, was part of a big group of Dainese and AGV-contracted riders that included current Grand Prix racers Franco Morbidelli, Marco Bezzecchi, Luca Marini, and more.
The test from Dainese, a company Rossi has worked with for almost three decades, took place at the Mugello circuit, and the Italian legend shared incredible drone footage of him riding his Yamaha R1.
Rossi might be retired from MotoGP, but he’s still the headline name when it comes to most things racing that involve Dainese and, or, AGV. So it was therefore no surprise to see the 46-year-old back on track as part of the test.
The new safety innovations from Dainese will be introduced as standard on its MotoGP-spec race suits in 2026, but it will also trickle down to those riding on the road.
Dainese said: “Pushing beyond the limits the safety innovation of tomorrow, in the most extreme conditions, with the most demanding users on the planet. Dainese Project Apex 2025 put together some of the greatest riders of today to test and develop the protective and performance technology of the future.
“At the Mugello circuit Dainese and AGV riders joined forces with our R&D team to put innovations to the test - the ones that will hit the MotoGP tracks the next season, and will become standard gear for racing and road riders at every level. Enabling everyone’s full potential.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
