Valentino Rossi has been given honorary membership to the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) and becomes the first motorcycle racer to receive membership on his two-wheel achievements ꦜalone.

Rossi, who is level on points with Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo at the top of the MotoGP riders' championship, is to be presented with his membership by BRDC President Derek Wa𓄧rwick ahead of the British GP at Silverstone next weekend.

The six-t꧅ime MotoGP champion and nine-time world champion says he feels 'honoured' to be selected as an✱ honorary member of the BRDC and hopes to put on a show at Silverstone.

"There is no rider in the BRDC, I will be the first, and for this I am even more honoured," Rossi said. "I know it's very difficult to become a member of this exclusive club, there are very selective cr🧜iteria.

"I look forward to meeting the president, Derek Warwick, who I know and esteem for his career in Formula 1. 🔯I hope that I will ha🏅ve a good result at the Silverstone Grand Prix to honour my entry into the British Racing Drivers' Club."

Former Formula 1 driver and Lಌe Mans 24 Hour winner Warwick added: "Membership of the BRDC is the greatest honour in British motor racing and I speak on behalf of everyone at the club when I say that we are proud, privileged and honoured th♕at Valentino Rossi has accepted this membership."