Valentino Rossi was officially crowned as a MotoGP legend at the 2021 FIM MotoGP Awards, Monday (16/11/2021). Valentino Rossi’s career as a MotoGP rider officially ended after he touched the finish line at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Spain, in the final race of the 2021 season, Sunday (11/14/2021). Rossi completed his commitment to retire.
He will no longer decorate the MotoGP race track starting next season. After crossing the finish line at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Rossi received a standing ovation from the riders to the compact audience wearing all yellow attributes, the Doctor’s signature color.
At the same time, there are shows containing videos of former racers to a number of world-famous athletes. They said goodbye to Rossi. When he entered the paddock, Rossi was greeted by the staff. They shouted yells, while Rossi smiled broadly. Every form of respect given managed to make the end of Rossi’s career feel beautiful. After that, the final tribute to Rossi was realized through the title of legend which was officially given at the FIM MotoGP Awards.
Rossi officially joins a number of other MotoGP legends such as Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, and Jarno Saarinen. In addition, there are Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Criville, Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Kork Ballington, Dani Pedrosa, Stefan Doerflinger, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, to the late Nicky Hayden.
After officially being crowned a MotoGP legend, Rossi said that retiring was a nightmare for him. However, Rossi tried to enjoy while thanking all those who have been involved in his career. “I always considered today like a nightmare because this is the end of a long career. But in the end I really enjoyed it. So, I have to thank everyone who has worked with me, the whole team in the paddock, the other riders,” said Rossi. “This is an unforgettable day and I enjoy it. This is a long career and always fun,” said Rossi added.
Meanwhile, Carmelo Ezpeleta as CEO of Dorna Sports appreciated every contribution that Rossi had made to the world of MotoGP racing. “The only thing I can say to Rossi is thank you very much. It’s amazing, since 1997 in Malaysia, we saw a man doing fantastic races,” said Ezpeleta, remembering the moment when he first saw Rossi race. “We started talking to him then and since then, everything we have done together, also with everyone who works in MotoGP, has been incredible,” added Ezpeleta.
During his 26 season career, Rossi won nine world titles in all classes. He also recorded a total of 235 podiums and 115 wins.
