His ambition is to be like his idol Valentino Rossi and take on the world's best in MotoGP.

And eight-year-old Mason Foster is on the right track after his talent was recognised by the Italian Factory Polini Minimoto team.

The Watton youngster started riding bikes two years ago and competes in the Cool Fab British Minibikes championships.

Although small, the bikes can reach speeds of up to 60mph.

He travels up and down the country taking part in races and having signed with the Italian Championship team, from April he will also be racing in Italy.

His talent will be nurtured and he will be provided with the knowledge and race craft needed to help him achieve his goal of reaching the top.

Mason, who attends Caston Primary School, said: 'I feel really excited and quite nervous. I am really looking forward to racing with better people and more competition.

'It is something that has been passed down in the family and it is quite exciting and I just like to race with other people.'

The sporty youngster, who also enjoys tennis and swimming, added: 'I am looking forward to improving my skills and learning how to slide around the corners.'

Before the British and the Italian seasons kick-off, Mason will be attending a 10-day test in Spain at the end of this month which will act as a warm-up.

The youngster started off trying motocross but did not enjoy it. Since taking up Minimoto he has not looked back.

'He has always loved motorbikes from a young age,' said his mother Sue Garwood. 'At 18 months he was watching Rossi and knew all their names and was obsessed.

'His dad used to race and they have always gone to British Superbikes together and it is just lucky he took to it.'

She added racing is helping Mason to overcome his shyness.

'He is really shy but it is bringing him out of himself,' she said. 'The school say they can see an improvement. I think going with the Italian team will really bring him out. He just needs to build up his belief in himself a little. But he is still young.

'It is a great opportunity we could not say no to.'

She added: 'It is stressful with all the preparation of weekends away and time off school. I just think that if they have got a talent then you have to nurture it.'