The Valencia GP event, Sunday (11/14/2021), became a fantastic race for MotoGP fans. Valentino Rossi, a Yamaha rider and a living MotoGP legend, has decided to retire and become his last race.

Rossi's retirement plan, revealed in the middle of this year, made everyone reminisce about the Italian rider's actions. The no longer young age makes Rossi feel the need to step down to give the junior riders below him opportunities.

Starting from 10th position at the Valencia GP, Rossi became the primary concern during the race. Competing with his former students at the VR46 academy, Rossi could not improve his position until the end of the race. He finished 10th on the podium with three Ducati riders, Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Jack Miller.

After the race, Rossi then stopped his Yamaha M1 motorcycle amid his waiting fans. The riders also participated in the euphoria of The Doctor's final welcoming on the race track to say goodbye. The crowd did not stop there; Rossi's name was hailed throughout the pit stop even though they did not reach the podium. The whole team bid farewell to the legendary racer.

 

 

 

 

 

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Valentino Rossi's retirement also invited comments from celebrities around the world. For example, Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves, F1 driver Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, footballer Gianluigi Buffon, Ronaldo, Andrea Pirlo, and former driver and rival Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, have great respect and appreciation for Rossi's extraordinary career.

Before the last race of Valencia, the MotoGP community also gave an extraordinary tribute to the rider born in Urbino, Italy, on February 16, 1979. A large mural created on the building on the Valencia circuit area by artist Ax Coluors is an iconic way to say goodbye to Rossi.

Before the race, the VR46 Academy students who became professional riders in the Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP classes wore special edition helmets in tribute to their teachers. From the Moto3 class, Andrea Migno wears a helmet inspired by Rossi's helmet in the 2001 season.

Alberto Surra wears the Sole Luna helmet used in the 2020 season. Then there is Niccolo Antonelli who wears Rossi's helmet at Laguna Secca 2005. The design was made by Roberto Marchionni, which shows the logo sun and moon, which later became the hallmark of The Doctor during the race.

In the Moto2 class, Marco Bezzecchi uses the Sole Luna that Rossi wore from the 2003 to 2005 season. Celestino Vietti wore Rossi's helmet design in the 2005 winter test session. Stefano Manzi wore Rossi's debut helmet in world motorcycle racing in 1996 while still playing for Aprilia-AGV.

In the MotoGP class, racer Francesco Bagnaia wears the helmet design used by Rossi when he won the 2004 MotoGP. This is Rossi's first racing season after leaving Honda and becoming a MotoGP champion. Luca Marini, Rossi's half-brother, wore a helmet in the 2008 season. Most recently, Franco Morbidelli wore the "Peace and Love" helmet, worn in 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

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Thanks to his actions, Rossi raised the name of MotoGP to the world stage and was loved by many people. Some of Rossi's race milestones are pretty memorable for people.

His first race in the premier class occurred in 2000 at the South African GP at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit, March 19, 2000. Although he failed to get on the podium in his first race, he was runner up under the champion Kenny Roberts Jr in the competition's final results.

Rossi's career in the MotoGP premier class began when he was 21 years old. Rossi's first two races failed to finish, and he had to wait until the 9th series to feel his first victory in the premier class. It took place at the Donnington Park Circuit. It beat Kenny Roberts Jr in second place and Jeremy McWilliam in third.

Rossi competed in the Moto GP class by bringing the world title in 125 ccs and 250 ccs once each. The racer with number 46 only needs to wait one season to win the championship. Rossi, who is still defending the satellite team Nastro Azzurro Honda, dominated the racing season by winning 11 of the 16 series that followed. In 2001 while still using the GP500 motorcycle, Rossi won the main title.

Valentino Rossi also often shows some actions that make the audience chuckle in awe. Among them, the duel with Max Biaggi, Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, Sete Gibernau is a reminder for motorcycle racing fans to always look forward to Rossi's action on race week.

MotoGP Valencia is Valentino Rossi's 372nd race. After this, the racing world will not see Rossi go. As the owner of the VR46 team, he will be at the side of the racing circuit to organize the young riders to achieve achievements.

"You always think about today like a nightmare. But in the end, it's been a long career, and I really enjoyed it. Today in Valencia, I have to thank many people in MotoGP, including the people in the paddock and the other riders; it was an unforgettable day. I really enjoy it, "said Rossi.

Grazie Vale!