One of the really, really big ones in motorbike sport is leaving!
The nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi (42) stops at the end of the year. Rossi uses the first Grand Prix after the summer break to announce his decision. In Spielberg he said the day before the first training session: “I decided during the summer break to quit at the end of the year. It was a difficult decision. “
Rossi is to motorbike sport what Michael Schumacher was in Formula 1 or Michael Jordan in the NBA.
At his special press conference, the Italian, nicknamed “The Doctor”, makes no secret of how difficult it is for him to take the step. «Unfortunately this will be my last half of the year in MotoGP. It’s a sad moment. It’s hard to know that I won’t be riding a motorcycle again next year. I’ve been doing this for more or less 30 years, so my life is going to change a lot. But it was a great time with many unforgettable moments. There is really nothing more to say. “
Legendary career
This turns the nine remaining GPs of the season into a big Rossi farewell tour. With the nine-time champion, the motorcycle world championship loses its shining light. A fan favorite who made himself immortal with spectacular drives, many victories and legendary cheers.
In 433 GP starts (record) he achieved 235 podium positions, 115 of them victories. The last one four years ago in Assen, the last podium in 2020 in Jerez. The last title was in 2009.
Now Rossi becomes MotoGP team principal
Rossi has been racing in the World Cup since 1996. And in the premier class for 21 years. Rossi has long been the only MotoGP rider to have competed in the old 500cc World Championship. The icon changed teams again last winter. But this season in the private Petronas Yamaha racing team, Rossi became the backbencher. One of the reasons for the resignation, as the Italian confirms.
A small consolation for the Rossi fans: The Italian will keep MotoGP. He’s been running his own VR46 team in the small world championship classes for years. With his racing team, he will now enter the premier class in 2022. Until the very end there were rumors that Rossi would be on his own team for another year. “Yes, I had an offer from my own team,” says the oldie with a laugh.
Does he regret anything? Rossi: “A little bit that I couldn’t get my 10th title despite several chances. But I’ve won a lot, I can’t complain! “
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