The Doctor has announced that he will retire from Grand Prix racing at the end of the season, bringing an illustrious 25-year career to a close.
Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has formally announced his retirement from motorcycle Grand Prix racing at the end of 2021 during a special press conference at the Michelin® Grand Prix of Styria on Thursday.
The Italian has carved out a legend that will be difficult to match or surpass, on or off the track, throughout a career spanning more than a quarter-century. Rossi’s name will go down in history as the only competitor to win titles in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, and MotoGPTM categories. But the Italian has become more than a rider because to his unique blend of personality, speed, racecraft, and international domination – with a dash of rock & roll. The ‘Doctor’ has established himself as a cultural icon.
Rossi announced that 2021 will be his 26th and final season in Grand Prix motorcycle racing at the same venue where he won his first podium in 1996. However, with the introduction of a premier class team next season, the VR46 name will remain a vital presence in the paddock, and the man himself will forever be that which few can claim: a motorcycling and sporting icon.
“I said I would take a decision for next year after the summer break, and I decided to stop at the end of the season. Unfortunately this will be my last half season as a MotoGP rider. And it’s difficult, it’s a very sad moment because it’s difficult to say it and know that next year I will not race with a motorcycle, I’ve done that for I think more or less 30 years! Next year, my life will change. But it was great, I’ve enjoyed it very much, it’s been a long, long journey and it was really, really fun. It’s 25, 26 years in the World Championship, so it was great. And I had a unforgettable moments with all my guys, the guys who work for me, so… I don’t have a lot to say! Just this.
“I had a very long career and fortunately I won a lot of races, but I have some moments and victories that are unforgettable. Pure joy. Some things where I laughed for a week and after 10 days I’d still be laughing, wonder why and remember the race. It’s difficult, yes. A difficult decision but you need to understand… I think in the end in sport, the results make the difference. So at the end I think it’s the right way. It’s difficult because I had the chance to race for my team in MotoGP, together with my brother, something that I would like. But it’s ok like this I think… we have another half season, I don’t know how many races, I think it will be more difficult when we arrive at the last race, but for now it’s just to say my decision to everyone. I can’t complain about my career!”
The uniforms of MOTOGP racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price:
