Valentino Rossi is more than just a motorcycle racer; he is a global icon. You probably recognize his bright yellow number 46 or his colorful helmet designs. He dominated the sport for over two decades and defeated multiple generations of rivals. Furthermore, his charisma brought millions of new fans to MotoGP. Even after retirement, his legacy continues through his own racing team. Let’s explore the life of The Doctor.
Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi never wore the number one plate despite winning nine world championships. Instead, he kept the famous number 46 on the front of his bike. He did this to honor his father, Graziano, who used the same number.
Ferrari seriously considered hiring him to drive in Formula One. He tested the red car several times and set lap times close to Michael Schumacher. However, he ultimately chose to stay on two wheels a bit longer.
He performs a strange ritual before every single race begins. Specifically, he crouches down next to his bike and holds the footpeg. He claims this moment allows him to talk to the machine before they race.
Fans and rivals know him best by his nickname, “The Doctor.” In Italy, people respect doctors significantly, so the name implies absolute mastery. Furthermore, he jokingly says he is important like a surgeon on the track.
He achieved a historic milestone at the 2004 South African Grand Prix. Amazingly, he became the first rider to win back-to-back races on different bikes. He won on a Honda and then immediately won on a Yamaha.
His rivalry with Max Biaggi turned physical before a press conference. Reports say they got into a fistfight on the stairs leading to the podium. This intense hatred fueled one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
He paid a massive settlement to the Italian tax authorities in 2008. The government accused him of hiding earnings in London to avoid taxes. Consequently, he paid 35 million euros to resolve the legal dispute.
He famously wore a helmet featuring his own screaming face on top. The design showed his genuine expression when braking at the end of a straight. Humorously, this design became one of his most popular merchandise items.
Valentino Rossi is the only rider to win titles in four different classes. He conquered the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, and the modern MotoGP categories. This proves his skill adapts to any type of engine or technology.
He built a dirt track ranch in his hometown of Tavullia. There, he trains young Italian riders through his VR46 Academy. Now, his students compete against him and win championships on the world stage.+1
He carried a ninja turtle sticker on his helmet early in his career. He identifies with the turtle because he was slow in go-karts as a child. Therefore, the turtle became his lucky charm despite his incredible speed.
He once stopped during a victory lap to use a portable toilet. Fans went wild as he ran into the outhouse on the side of the track. It was a planned stunt to mock the serious nature of racing.
He raced with a sticker of his bulldog, Guido, on his bike for years. Even after the dog passed away, the sticker remained on the machine. He treats his pets like essential members of the racing team.
He switched to car racing after retiring from MotoGP in 2021. Currently, he drives a BMW in the GT World Challenge Europe. He races against professional car drivers and proves he is fast on four wheels too.
He often sleeps until the very last minute on race day. Unlike anxious riders who pace around, he prefers to rest as long as possible. His team sometimes has to wake him up just before the warm-up session.
