Rossi second to Kubica in Monza Rally

Former F1 driver Robert Kubica got the better of MotoGP star Valentino Rossi for victory in the Monza Rally Show.

Kubica, who switched to rallying after his F1 career was ended by injury, overturned Rossi's advantage to finish the nine asphalt stages 12.5s ahead of the Italian star.

The Pole won both of Friday's stages, but was then beaten 4-1 by Rossi on Saturday, putting The Doctor 7.2s clear heading into Sunday.

However Kubica won both of the final day's stages, by 2.1s and then 17.6s, to confirm victory.

Joining Kubica and Rossi on the podium was WTCC race winner Stefano d'Aste (+68.5s). Rossi's former Yamaha boss and new Suzuki team manager Davide Brivio claimed fourth (+92.5s) place, as navigator to his brother Roberto.

Motocross grand prix star Toni Cairoli was a creditable sixth, with Rossi's friend Alessio 'Uccio' Salucci in seventh place.

Kubica also beat Rossi in the final of the 'Master Show' knock-out tournament. Both were driving WRC-spec Ford Fiestas.

Rossi finished runner-up to another WRC star, Dani Sordo, in last year's event. The Italian has previously claimed three Monza Rally victories.

With the winter MotoGP test ban now in place Rossi, runner-up to Marc Marquez in this year's championship, will not be back on his M1 until the opening 2015 test at Sepang in February.