MELKSHAM could be home to the next Valentino Rossi after seven-year-old Ryan Hitchcock took part in a special Moto GP Weekend race at Silverstone.

The aspiring MiniMoto rider was just one of a handful selected to take part in the event on the Stowe Circuit and arranged by series organisers FAB Racing.

The race and demonstration at the weekend showcased the talent of up and coming young riders.

Mum Lisa Brown, of Philip Close, said the experience was one that would create lasting memories for her son, who only got into riding last year.

“His dad Dean has always been into motocross racing and they always watched MotoGP on the television and then Ryan said one day that he wanted to ride. Luckily we had an old bike in the shed for about 10 years and so he rode that around the garden and he really like it,” she added.

“We then bought him a couple motocross bikes and because there weren’t many places for him to ride in the area we found out about the Scott Redding Young Riders Academy in Chippenham.

“He started off with MiniMoto when he was six but he has always loved watching it – even when he was just a toddler.

“He’s only seven now but he loves his speed and he is constantly saying that he wants his bikes to go faster.”

Despite being in his first year of riding, Ryan has motored up the ranks and currently sits in third position in the FAB Racing championship which combines MiniGP, MiniMoto, MotoTeam and Mini Sidecar.

He also set the fastest lap time of all the MiniMoto competitors at his last race.

The Bowerhill Primary pupil said that he never dreamed of hitting the big time and he now hopes to continue riding as a professional career just like his hero, Chippenham’s Danny Kent.

Ryan said: “I like going fast and I always want to go faster. It’s not really scary at all.”

His mum added: “We are so proud of him and he has never ridden this big a bike before but to come second and set the fastest lap is just amazing.

“The trophies he’s been able to collect are just beautiful and he just loves to ride. He wants to be like all the British riders who have built themselves and their riding into a career.”

Ryan will move into the AC40 pro class next year.