Valentino Rossi's career ends with a top 10. Final tenth place in the Grand Prix at Misano, about 13 kilometers from his Tavullia, where he grew up. It climbs to twenty-first place out of thirty, however, in the 2021 World Championship standings, which will officially end in November.
Not the last race ever, but the last in Italy, since Red announced his retirement from racing at the end of this motorcycle season, having spent 26 of his 42 years in the saddle, winning 9 world titles.
Valentino Rossi: numbers and records of an endless career
A story, that of Valentino Rossi with racing motorcycles, which began when he was still a kid, inextricably linked to the Misano Adriatico circuit: here, in 1993 at the age of 14, he climbed on his first motorcycle from Grand Prix (a Honda RS 125 R, signed by Team Pileri).
Motorcycles as a family passion, given that formerly his father Graziano he had been a decent professional between 1977 and 1982, for a total of 55 races: from him, Valentino inherited the number 46, which he always wore even when he could have opted for the 1 of the reigning champion.
An enviable palmarès: 9 world titles, of which 5 consecutive between 2001 and 2005, as well as the only rider in the history of the World Championship to have won the title in four different classes (125, 250, 500 and MotoGP). Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and then Yamaha again were his bikes at the highest level in the world of two wheels.
From books to films, passing through motoring: the Doctor beyond two wheels
In recent years, Valentino Rossi has established himself as something more than a simple motorcyclist and sportsman, but as a real pop phenomenon international, and not just Italian. Already in 2005, when he was just 26 years old and at the height of his success, the publication of the autobiography with Mondadori arrived Think if you hadn't tried, written together with Enrico Borghi.
And then the commercials, television and comic book appearances, from Mickey mouse up to one story illustrated by Milo Manara, from which the animated film was made in 2007 Fourty six, until the documentary of 2011 Fastest - The fastest, directed by Mark Neale with the narrating voice of actor Ewan McGregor.
Rossi's fame, fueled not only by his successes but also by the incredible longevity of his career, has extended beyond the very borders of motorcycling, as evidenced by the various speculations, widespread throughout the XNUMXs, of his possible retirement from the world. of motorcycles for landing in Formula 1, perhaps to replace Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.
None of this has happened, but for Valentino Rossi an experience with two more wheels under the seat has nevertheless arrived: on three occasions he has in fact also took part in the World Rally Championship (in 2002, 2006 and 2008), twice in the UK and once in New Zealand. Another passion inherited from father Graziano, who competed twice in rallies in 1984. For both, however, the world of four wheels has reserved little fortunes: the Reds have in fact collected zero points in their five car races, with Valentino having closed with a retirement, an 11th and a 12th place.
Photo source: Instagram @ valeyellow46
