Rossi retires
In a special press conference on August 5th at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria, straight after the MotoGP series summer break (Michelin Grand Prix of Styria), Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) finally, and officially, announced his retirement from motorcycle Grand Prix racing at the end of 2021.
Over a career spanning more than a quarter of a century, the Italian has carved out a legend that will be hard to match or surpass, either on-track or off. His record "will forever feature in the history books" with nine World Championships, 115 wins and 235 podiums. Plus, he remains the only competitor in history to win titles in the 125 cc, 250 cc, 500 cc and MotoGP categories.
Rossi shakes hands with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta
Speaking for all race fans and everyone involved in the motorcycle industry, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: "His unique brand of charisma, speed, race craft and world domination - plus a dash of rock and roll - have made the Italian something more than a rider. The 'Doctor' has become an icon."
At the venue that saw Rossi take his first podium back in 1996, he announced that 2021 will be his 26th and final season in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. But the VR46 name will remain a key presence in the paddock, adding a premier class team next season, and the man himself will forever remain that which very few can claim: a motorcycling and sporting icon.
Rossi said: "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, something that I have done 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 unforgettable moments with all my guys, the guys who work for me.
"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 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 I can't complain about my career!"
