'The Doctor’ Rossi to retire from MotoGP at end of 2021 season

Motorcycle racing icon Valentino Rossi has announced his retirement from motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) racing at the end of the 2021 season.

In a special press conference, Rossi announced his retirement following a career of almost three decades.

Known for his moniker “The Doctor,” Rossi has bagged nine World Championships, 115 wins and 235 podiums. Aside from that, Rossi is the only competitor in history to win titles in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, and MotoGP categories.

"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, I've done that for I think more or less 30 years! Next year, my life will change,”Rossi was quoted as saying in the MotoGP website article.

“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, so... I don't have a lot to say,” the Petronas Yamaha SRT rider added.

 

He emphasized that the decision to stop from his long career in MotoGP was a difficult decision to make.

“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 you need to understand... I think 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 for now it's just to say my decision to everyone. I can't complain about my career,” he explained.

Photos from Valentino Rossi VR46 Official Facebook page

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