Rossi lap put back two days

Rain has stopped play for one of the world’s best known motorsport stars.

Saturday's planned lap of the Mountain Circuit by eight times MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has been postponed, because of the rain which is expected to sweep the Island.

Instead, Rossi will take to the course on Monday, when forecasters are predicting dry and bright conditions.

The decision, which has been taken by the Manx government, Dainese, Yamaha and Motorcycle News, could mean disappointment for some fans who are only on the Island for the weekend and were looking forward to the lap with Giacomo Agostini, which has been dubbed "the lap of the gods".

Tourism Minister Martyn Quayle says he looks forward to welcoming the star next week.