The MotoGP race series at the Valencia Circuit, Sunday (15/11) was truly the last for the legendary racer, Valentino Rossi. That day is said to be ‘The Last Dance’ or the last dance of the man nicknamed The Doctor.
Before the race took place, the emotional nuances were clearly displayed throughout the circuit. The mural depicting Rossi’s face with the words ‘Grazie Vale’ can be seen from the audience stands and television screens. The race committee also deliberately gave Rossi one extra lap as a sign of the end of the 42-year-old racer’s journey in official competition as a professional.
Rossi officially retired in his 432th race with a record of 115 wins and 235 podiums. Nine world titles were won by the man who is loyal to the motorcycle number ’46’.
Congratulations came from celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton, and prove that Rossi is highly respected by many. Like Diego Maradona in football or Michael Jordan in basketball, you could say Rossi is an icon of motorcycle racing.
“This is a very extraordinary weekend and I didn’t imagine it would be this great.” said Rossi, “But today was amazing. I got a lot of surprises from the champions. The riders from my academy also wore my helmet and it was heartwarming. I have to thank everyone.”
His championship success resulted in nine championships with his first career championship from 1997 to his last in 2009. While working with the Yamaha team in the 2005 season, he even managed to take 16 podiums from a total of 17 races.
The man who was born in Urbino, a small town next to San Marino, has also tried various racing disciplines during his professional career outside of motorcycle racing, including a couple of F1 tests & a stint as a rally driver during the closed Moto GP championship season.