Valentino Rossi’s iconic number 46 retired from MotoGP in a ceremony at his home track during Italian GP

In 26 seasons, Rossi won premier-class Championships with both Honda and Yamaha, nine world titles across the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP classes, 115 victories, 235 podiums and 65 pole positions. He was named motorsport’s GOAT by MotoGP. The sport’s greatest bowed out at the age of 42 after giving millions of fans around the world so many memories to cherish. Rossi is a true champion and role model for many.

SURROUNDED BY FELLOW DRIVERS

Rossi was awarded the iconic “46” trophy today at the Mugello Circuit grid, surrounded by fellow MotoGP drivers, Dorna CEO Mr Carmelo Ezpeleta, FIM President George Viegas, friends and family who have adored him throughout his 26 years of redifining the sport, with audience coming from all around Italy and the world, and students of his VR46 Riders Academy all cheering “Ole, ole, Vale, Vale…” from the stands for over an hour before he made an appearance.

I COULD RACE FOR ANOTHER 3-4, BUT MY BODY HURTS

Rossi said: “The people are telling me ‘thank you Vale’ but honestly, I want to thank them as well because the crowd here in Mugello has always been so cheerfully loud for me on my first lap on Sunday mornings for the warm-up, here in Mugello, I had the most overwhelming emotions as a motorcycle rider. So thank you, it has been both a pleasure doing my retirement ceremony here and sort of a shame, we could have been racing for another three or four years ‘jokingly’. But my back and knees are hurting, I realized that I’m getting old. But this journey has been wonderful, thank you, everyone.”

To watch the #VR46 full retirement ceremony on YouTube CLICK HERE.

Credit: AIPS