First shots: Rossi and Yamaha reunited

Rossi back on a Yamaha 

VALENTINO ROSSI was photographed for the first time back on a Yamaha today at the Valencia test.

Traditionally, the inter-season test is an opportunity to familiarise transfered riders with their teams and just as importantly, give the public a glimpse of what is to come over the forthcoming season.

No unveiling has been as eagerly anticipated as that of Valentino Rossi, who will return to Yamaha after a disappointing two-year spell at Ducati, in which he claimed just three podium finishes in 35 races. Fans clamoured for a glimpse of Rossi atop the YZR-M1 he will race alongside current world champion Jorge Lorenzo in 2013.

Unfortunately from a sporting point of view, this morning's test session was cut short by rain. The 33-year-old was one of the first out on track and set a time of 1.44.158 after two laps, when a sudden burst of rain disrupted proceedings just 10 minutes after the track had opened for the start of testing.

Heading into next season, fans will be hoping that The Doctor will be able to return to winning ways back at Yamaha, with whom he won four world championships.