42-year-old Valentino ‘The Doctor’ Rossi will retire from Moto GP at the end of this current season.
The racing legend who has competed in 26 seasons across the different series from 125cc up to Moto GP starting in 414 races as of today the 6th of August.
The acclaimed rider has 115 victories under his belt with 89 of those coming from the premier class Moto GP. Additionally he has racked up 235 podiums throughout his career as of today. His splendid career also included 7 world championship victories for various teams.
Rossi #46, nicknamed “The Doctor” for his clinical approach to race-craft in particular his overtaking skills, is a household name among racing fans.
But his announcement brought dread into many fans who had been waiting for this probable statement for the last few years.
Rumours were moving about that Rossi might ride on his own team’s Ducati VR46 in 2022.
But, when a deal between his team and the Saudi Arabian oil conglomerate Aramco fell through, it seemed imminent that he would retire at the end of the season.
Unfortunately for Rossi, this season has not been great, in fact so far it is his worst points scoring season to date after only collecting 19 points before the current summer break.
Rossi said at the conference that he was very moved having been in the scene for 25 years since his first days in the 125cc class back in 1996.
He could obviously not deny the fact that he immensely enjoyed his long journey through tough times and many seasons of success.
Famous for being a man of few words he finished his special press conference by saying: “It was great and I had unforgettable moments with all my teams, with all the guys that work for me. So I don’t have a lot to say, just this.”
A humble man that has left behind an unforgettable career in motorcycle racing, inspired many young riders to pick up the sport, and a story that will be continued to be told to the new generations of motorsports fans worldwide!
Hopefully, his season will continue hassle free and now Moto GP fans will need to fathom the reality that next season Valentino Rossi #46 will no longer be taking to the grid.
Featured image source: supersport.com & pinterest