The Doctor is out. After a 26-year career in Grand Prix racing, Valentino Rossi has decided to retire at the end of the 2021 season. Rossi is a living legend in the racing world, and the charismatic Italian will likely go down as the greatest MotoGP rider in history. So, as the motorsports community and its fans absorb the news, it has given everyone time to reflect on the significance of this announcement. Rossi has been such a presence on and off the track that MotoGP will not be the same without him, and his departure will leave a huge void in the premier motorcycle series.
The Legend Decides To Hang Up His Leathers
Fans of Grand Prix racing have watched as Valentino Rossi grew up before their eyes. He entered Grand Prix racing in 1996 at the age of 17 by competing on an Aprilia in the 125cc class. Although his first year had its ups and down, he would dominate the series in 1997 and went on to win his first championship that year.
In 1998, Rossi graduated to the 250cc class and would finish second that season. The following year, he would dominate the series and would go on to win the 1999 championship. He made the move to Honda and graduated to the 500cc class, which was the premier class at the time in 2000, and spent the year learning the ropes and finishing just short of the championship.
By 2001, Rossi was once again the leader of the pack, and he went on to win the championship. In 2002, Rossi and field transitioned from the 500cc rigs to what would become MotoGP, where Rossi went on to win championships in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009. Those results make Rossi the only rider in history to win championships in the 125, 250, 500, and MotoGP classes.
During the course of his illustrious career, Rossi always competed as number 46, and he rode for Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati, winning championships with the first three. In winning those championships. The Doctor displayed his surgical precision on the track, where he developed a reputation for an aggressive riding style, but off the track Rossi showed a playful enthusiasm that highlighted his love for the sport and its fans. Knowing how much he enjoys the atmosphere and the competition, the decision to retire was certainly not an easy one to make.
The End Of The Rossi Era In MotoGP
At the press conference announcing his retirement, Rossi did not mix words. According to Rossi, who made the announcement in both English and Italian, "It's difficult, yes. A difficult decision, but you need to understand... I think in the end in sport, the results make the difference." In reviewing Rossi's career, his results are unmatched. The man is an icon in motorcycle racing and his presence in the field will be missed by all. And while Rossi will no longer be racing, he will remain a team owner and plans to field a team in MotoGP in 2022. So, while he'll be missed on the track, all of racing is pleased to hear that the jovial Italian will still be a part of the series for years to come.