“Sad moment”: Rossi announces retirement

“I’ve done that for over 30 years,” said Rossi at a specially called press conference for the now 42-year-old on Thursday at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. The Italian emphasized that his life would now change dramatically.

Rossi won nine world championship titles and became one of the most dazzling stars in the motorcycle scene. An icon with fans all over the world. “I really enjoyed the time and this trip. It was a lot of fun to drive in the World Championship for 26 years. I've experienced great things. Some victories and moments were unforgettable,” he said. Rossi will remain involved in motorcycling in a different capacity: from 2022 he will be sending his own team to the start in MotoGP. Starting a new career? In the future, Rossi would like to switch from two to four wheels. “I love racing cars just a little bit less than racing motorcycles. I think I will be racing cars next year,” said Rossi. He has already impressively demonstrated that he can also be fast in rally, formula and touring cars. He was already racing in Ferrari's Formula 1 car and swapped his place on his racing machine with the cockpit of Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton's Silver Arrow.

Also talented on four wheels: Valentino Rossi © ANSA / MAURIZIO DEGL'INNOCENTI / Z45

The decision to resign was no longer a surprise; Rossi's recent results were too disappointing. At the start of the season he had repeatedly emphasized that the continuation of his career would depend on success. But in the first nine races of the season, the long-time winning driver only collected a meager 17 championship points and finished 19th in the championship. into the summer break. A tenth place at the home race in Mugello was the best result in the current World Championship series for the motorcycle pilot, who has been racing from success to success for many years.

On the five free weekends after the race in Assen, Rossi gave his final thoughts about his future. And then consistently decided to end his career. If a replacement location is nominated for the canceled race in Thailand, there are still ten World Championship races, then the chapter will be over for the Italian. The Styrian Grand Prix is coming up this weekend. A turbulent career Rossi has been a regular driver in the motorcycle world championship since 1996. A year later he won his debut title in the 125cc class. Two years later, Rossi prevailed in the 250s and was promoted to the premier class in 2000. Rossi won the 2001cc World Championship in 500, making him the last 500cc world champion in history. And even at the beginning of the four-stroke era, the charismatic Italian dominated events. After two titles with Honda, Rossi decided to make a risky brand change, but made himself immortal among fans when he won the championship in his debut season with Yamaha in 2004. Three more titles followed for the legendary starting number 46. Rossi celebrated his last World Cup triumph to date in the 2009 season.

A training crash at the home Grand Prix in Mugello put Rossi out of action for a few races in 2010. It was the worst injury in the Italian's unprecedented career. A disappointing trip to Ducati followed. After two mixed years in red, Rossi returned to Yamaha and had the chance to win his tenth world title in 2015. However, a collision with Honda driver Marc Márquez in Malaysia robbed him of the chance to be crowned world champion again. With 115 Grand Prix victories, Rossi came close to the record of his legendary compatriot Giacomo Agostini (122 victories). Rossi's last race victory to date was four years ago.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

“Sad moment”: Rossi announces retirement

The voice was cracked, the look wistful. “It's a sad moment for me,” said Valentino Rossi before announcing his retirement from MotoGP at the end of the season.

Suggestions

Comments (0)