The abbreviation lacks the dignity, but Greatest of All Time comes out as G.O.A.T. and those tagged with it are proud to live with it. Just as there can't be degrees of uniqueness, there can only be one GOAT, right? Not really. One supersedes the other. The old are bypassed and the new prevail. No one can say that Valentino Rossi was greater than Mick Doohan or John Surtees exceeds Geoff Duke.

When someone mentions the name Rossi, the first thought that would come to mind is a legendary motorcycle racer. He's cemented his name in the motorcycle world as one of the greatest to ever live. He became famous at a young age and tacked up world championships. He attracted the attention of the biggest sponsors in the world. Even though he is over 40 years old, he still participates in pro racing. Here are 15 little known facts about Valentino Rossi.

15 The Only Racer To Compete In 400 Grands Prix

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Valentino Rossi is known as one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time with nine Grand Prix World Championships, seven of which are in the premier class. He is the only racer in the world to have competed in 400 Grands Prix. He has always ridden with number 46.

14 He Will Leave Yamaha At The End Of 2020

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As of now, Rossi is contracted to race until the end of 2020. Although he has said that he will leave the Factory Yamaha team, Yamaha has already offered him a bike and support in another team. Rossi hasn't confirmed whether he will continue racing. His decision has been delayed by the pandemic.

13 The Only Satellite Rider To Win The 500cc Title

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Rossi won the first 500cc title with 325 points. He was the only satellite rider to get the title. He teamed up with Colin Edwards for the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race and became the first Italian rider to win it, even though he didn't have much experience with superbikes.

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12 He Once Lost To Colin Edwards

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During the race in China, a disaster would strike when Rossi "was forced to retire after he moved up from 13th to fifth and was battling with Colin Edwards and John Hopkins for third position. A chunk of rubber from his front tyre had been thrown on his front fender, knocking it off the motorbike."

11 One Of Two Riders With 100 Grand Prix Wins

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In 2009, Rossi registered a third position in Italy. After that, he battled with Lorenzo throughout the race to take the victory at Catalunya and grabbed a pole-victory at the Dutch round. This was his 100th win that made Rossi the second rider – after Giacomo Agostini – to get to this number.

10 One Of The Highest-Paid Riders In The World

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According to estimates, Rossi is one of the highest-paid sports personas in the world, with an annual salary of $34 million. In 2009, he was ranked as 9th world's highest-paid athlete. He was even investigated by Italian tax authorities for suspected tax evasion. Rossi had to pay 35 million Euros to close the case.

9 Lorenzo Was His Biggest Rival

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Rossi's only retirement came at Indianapolis when he was overtaken by Lorenzo on lap ten. Lorenzo halved Rossi's title advantage with five rounds to go. Rossi responded at the race in San Marino by winning the race ahead of Lorenzo. In Portugal, Lorenzo won the race with Rossi finishing fourth.

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8 The First Yamaha Rider To Win At The Honda Circuit

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In 2008, Valentino Rossi's wins in both Laguna Seca and Indianapolis also meant that Rossi had won at every circuit on the calendar at the time and his win at Motegi was his first MotoGP victory at the track, becoming the first Yamaha rider to win at the Honda-owned circuit.

7 He Passed Up On Ducati's Offer

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In 2003, Italian press was excited as rumors pointed towards Rossi's move to Ducati. Everyone wanted to see the legendary Italian rider on an Italian bike. Ducati actually tried to seduce him into riding the Desmosedici, but Rossi declined the offer. He then said that the brand has lots to do before being competitive.

6 He Had A Fierce Race Battle With Kenny Roberts Jr.

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Rossi's first win for Honda came after a race battle with Suzuki's Kenny Roberts Jr. The track was affected by harsh weather, but Rossi chose the right tires and stormed through the field. After this victory, he scored three consecutive podium places including one third-place finish in Portugal.

5 He's Won Multiple Back-To-Back Championships

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In 2000, Rossi won the 500cc World Championship with Honda and continued winning back-to-back championships after leaving Honda to join Yamaha. He races in a dominant manner, with most of his wins being decided before the final round. In 2006, he lost the win streak only to get it back a year later.

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4 He Is Very Superstitious

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Rossi once said, "It’s just a moment to focus and ‘talk’ to my bike, like moving from one place to the next." As other riders explained, "He always gets on and gets off his bike in the same fashion - his right leg first touching the ground. Right before the start, he fixes his helmet."

3 He's Test Driven A Ferrari Formula One Car

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In 2006, Valentino Rossi had a chance to test drive Team Scuderia Ferrari's Formula One car. On the second day, he was the 9th fastest on the grid and was less than a second behind Michael Schumacher. Rossi showed everyone that he is no pushover. He had better results than even seasoned drivers.

2 He's A Fan Of Inter Milan Football Club

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Rossi self-proclaimed himself as a fan of Inter Milan Football Club. In return, Inter Milan congratulated him on his MotoGP World Championship win. Rossi repaid the compliment when Inter Milan won the UEFA Champions League in 2010, as he sent them congratulations. He's been spotted at the San Siro cheering.

1 The Only MotoGP Rider To Complete 'A Lap Of The World'

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In 2018, Valentino Rossi completed the 40,075th km of racing on Lap 15, which is equivalent to a lap around the world. The Circuito de Jerez Àngel Nieto saw him to complete almost 8,800 laps and travel the circumference of the earth. Laps in consideration were only race laps and didn't include practice laps.

NEXT: 10 Highest Paid Athletes In Motor Sports