Stobart Motorsport has backed MotoGP star Valentino Rossi's bid to raise funds for Children In Need on next month's Wales Rally GB.

Rossi will drive a Ford Focus RS with full Stobart livery and incorporate the British charity's logo and mascot 'Pudsey Bear'.

In an effort to increase charitable donations for the Children in Need appeal the Stobart team are offering an opportunity to one lucky person by putting up for auction a priceless item within the realms of world motorsport.

In keeping with all Eddie Stobart trucks, and the team's other rally cars, the five times MotoGP champ will sport a girl's name on the front of his car; and the choice of name will go the highest bidder in a charity auction. After the event, the name will then be transferred to one of the 1850 Eddie Stobart trucks where it will be cemented in the history books. The winner will also receive Stobart VIP hospitality for the event. The auction will run from today until Friday 21 November. To bid for the prize call +44 (0)7920 548976.

The 29-year-old Italian is attempting the Cardiff-based event for the second time in his career and will be in the safe hands of expert co-driver Carlo Cassina who has contested 24 WRC events in his career.

Cassina's impressive resume includes one victory on Rally Portugal in 1988 beside the last and only Italian to win the World Rally Championship for drivers, Miki Biasion.

Valentino Rossi

“If two wheels are the big love of my life, four wheels, and especially rally cars, are surely my big passion! Having the chance to race at the Wales Rally GB and having, at the same time, the possibility to raise funds for Children In Need is something really special and I am very proud and happy. I cannot wait to be in the car and to have a lot of fun!”

Andrew Tinkler, Stobart Group CEO

“We are very excited to have Valentino driving a Stobart car on Wales Rally GB and its only right that the company does its bit to help raise money for the Children in Need charity which he is driving for. I am a great fan of Valentino's and it will be a massive compliment to have our brand on his car and it will really bring a lot of excitement to the whole team next month.”