It had to happen someday, but it is no less sad. Valentino Rossi is finally calling time on his remarkable 26-year career in MotoGP, after seven premier class titles and 89 Grand Prix victories. The Italian has captured the hearts of millions around the world and is quite probably the most important rider to have ever graced the MotoGP world. It is arguable that Rossi is the most important rider in MotoGP history, bringing millions into the sport and helping them stick around for decades, and elevating the series popularity, thanks to his own personality and charisma.
Rossi has always gone by the nickname of “The Doctor”. This of course has prompted various catchphrases over the years such as “The Doctor will see you now” and of course, he has been called the GOAT of Moto GP. That as well is entirely plausible, for both his on and off track achievements in MotoGP. Why has Rossi been called “The Doctor” though? Well, the answer to that is actually quite easy to explain, but we will delve a bit deeper into it; into nicknames in MotoGP and of course why Rossi is called “The Doctor”.
Nicknames In MotoGP
Nicknames in MotoGP are not that uncommon, although no ones is as recognizable as Rossi’s. Even now, riders such as Fabio Quartararo use nicknames when they ride, the Frenchman’s himself being that of “El Diablo”. This nickname was forged in his early years, after living in Spain for a period of time when he was young and beginning his racing career, and he earned it during those early races. Jack Miller is another rider with a nickname, “Thriller Miller”, thanks to his sometimes wild and dirt bike-like riding style.
Andrea Dovizioso, the former Ducati rider, is another man who has earned a nickname, his being “The Professor”. This is often applied thanks to the strategy and clinical way he goes about a race, plotting almost every move before he goes for it. In recent years, he took on the nickname “Undaunted”, as he looked for his first MotoGP world title. But no rider nickname can ever come close to that of matching “The Doctor” because even if you don’t really know motorcycle racing, you know of Valentino Rossi and that “The Doctor will see you now”. So, how did this nickname come about?
The Doctor
Remarkably, there is no clear-cut reason as to why Rossi uses the nickname “The Doctor”. It has been around since Rossi dominated the 500cc category, at a time when he had ironed out the often erratic riding style of his youth and become the world-class rider we know today. Rossi was at one point given an honorary degree, which in Italy entitles you to be able to use the title Doctor for yourself. That would be quite a standard and logical reason, but it seems that whilst that is true of the degree, it might not be the reason.
Rossi’s father Graziano has offered an explanation for why Valentino has this nickname, and it is quite a beautiful reason. In Italy, “The Doctor” is a name that is given to someone that you respect. A Doctor of course will be someone everyone respects the opinion of. With Rossi being such a legend of his sport, he will have quickly earned the respect of those around him, and coupled with the way he clinically destroyed his opposition, could be the reason for the nickname. Rossi himself jokes about the nickname somewhat, saying that because in Italy, Rossi is such a common nickname for Doctors, he decided to use it for himself.
The Iconic #46
Of course, “The Doctor” isn’t the only way in which Rossi is recognized in the racing world. Rossi also of course has the famous #46, a number he has used since the very early days of his racing career. In the sporting world, it is potentially the most recognizable number associated with any athlete, within motorsport the only possible comparison being that of the #3 with Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR. Even Lewis Hamilton with the #44 probably can’t quite be as recognizable as that of the famous Rossi #46.
An Enduring Legacy
Whatever the reason for his nickname, whenever “The Doctor” is mentioned, everyone knows that you will be talking about Valentino Rossi. His 2021 season has not exactly been a successful one, which prompted Rossi to make the decision over MotoGP’s summer break to retire at the end of the year. Rossi would love to carry on, and surely virtually everyone in MotoGP, riders, and fans alike, would love to see the legend continue. For now though, let's enjoy the last few races of an incredible career and hope that, when the chequered flag drops in Valencia at season's end, Rossi has been able to grab one more top result, to end a legendary career in clinical fashion.
Sources: Ruetir, GPOne, Valentino Rossi Helmets, Asphalt And Rubber, Ultimate Motorcycling, Goodwood, Visor Down