Valentino Rossi's bittersweet farewell

Francesco Bagnaia caused exuberant cheers in the spectator stands in Misano on Sunday. The Italian continues to move closer to world championship leader Fabio Quartararo with his second win in a row. The majority of spectators had actually come to see Valentino Rossi, but he was disappointing – at least on the track.

With his 9 world championship titles, the doctor is considered the best motorcyclist of all time and has cult status far beyond Italy's borders. After this season it's over for Rossi, at the age of 42. His last year of MotoGP will therefore be a big show. No matter where the World Cup stops, the yellow flags and shirts with the legendary number 46 are omnipresent along the route - especially in Misano, which is only 13 kilometers from Rossi's hometown of Tavullia.

The fans who came from all over the world would have been only too happy to celebrate a success or at least a podium finish at the old champion's last home race. The fact that his race to catch up from 26th place on the grid ended in 17th position did not dampen the celebratory mood at the “Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli”. And that wasn't just because of Bagnaia's victory drive, but also because of Rossi, who was really celebrating. “Only my passion for motorsport drives me in moments like this” Valentino Rossi “The final laps were extremely emotional. I kept looking at the stands and everything was yellow. That was really touching,” said Rossi after the race. He added: “Riding in front of your people, your fans, changes everything again. Then all the effort has meaning again. It’s just a shame that I wasn’t really competitive.”

In order to offer his fans another worthy show, Rossi worked hard. On Saturday he even crashed twice in training and qualifying. “I overtook strong drivers like Dovizioso, Oliveira and Morbidelli in the race and actually thought I was right at the front now. Instead I ended up in 17th place. “It’s tough,” explained Rossi after the race. With a slight smile he added: “The passion. Only my passion for motorsport drives me in moments like this.”

It is precisely this passion that will drive Rossi in the final four races of his career. And he still has a chance: On October 24th, MotoGP will be visiting Misano once again - perhaps Rossi will then ensure a really sweet farewell.

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Valentino Rossi's bittersweet farewell

“I'm simply touched,” were the words of Valentino Rossi, who was on his farewell tour, immediately after his home race in Misano. This once again went completely differently than planned.

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