Honorary president of helmet manufacturer AGV, that is.

In a ceremony held Aug. 29 in Riccione, Italy, marking the San Marino Grand Prix at the nearby Misano World Circuit, Rossi was named honorary president by Lino Dainese, the founder and president of AGV’s parent company, Dainese S.p.a.

The seven-time grand prix champion – on pace to winning his eighth – is known for the uniquely designed AGV helmets he wears in competition, designed by Aldo Drudi. Earlier this season, Rossi wore a helmet painted to resemble a soccer ball at the Catalan Grand Prix, and at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, Rossi wore a helmet with his own face painted on the top.

“Valentino Rossi has been the thread – or rather, the steel cable – that has managed to keep AGV connected with motorcycle racing at times when this historic firm had lost that particular verve and freshness which, from its outset, had made it become a world leader in the manufacture of crash helmets,” says Dainese. “Thanks to his exploits, his commitment to his craft and his enthusiasm, Valentino has nurtured the AGV brand, taking it to the highest level of the podium. That is why AGV has decided to make Valentino Rossi an honorary president of AGV.”

AGV also lists all-time Grand Prix wins leader Giacomo Agostini among its clientele, as well as former Formula One champions Niki Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi and Nelson Piquet.