Valentino Rossi's stepfather commits suicide.

The stepfather of reigning six time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is reported to have committed suicide.

According to the ANSA news agency, 52-year-old Mauro Tecchi - second husband of Rossi's mother Stefania Palma - killed himself with a shotgun wound to the chest at Pesaro in Italy. His body was found on Friday.

"I feel terrible, I do not know what to say," commented Rossi.

Rossi will start Sunday's Australian Grand Prix from second on the grid.

Stoner, Lorenzo, Rossi, Australian MotoGP 20090
Stoner, Lorenzo, Rossi, Australian MotoGP 20090
© Gold and Goose

The stepfather of reigning six time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is reported to have committed suicide.

According to the ANSA news agency, 52-year-old Mauro Tecchi - second husband of Rossi's mother Stefania Palma - killed himself with a shotgun wound to the chest at Pesaro in Italy. His body was found on Friday.

"I feel terrible, I do not know what to say," commented Rossi.

Rossi will start Sunday's Australian Grand Prix from second on the grid.

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