MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi says the “biggest satisfaction” of his profession has been introducing bike racing to a brand new era of followers.
The 47-year-old is certainly one of Italy’s most adorned athletes, having received 9 Motorbike Grand Prix world titles, together with seven within the MotoGP class, in a profession spanning greater than 20 years.
Valentino Rossi retired from MotoGP on the finish of the 2021 season, having received 89 races within the highest class and 115 wins in Grand Prix throughout all classes.
Valentino Rossi, 2026 Goodwood Pageant of Pace.
© Monster Power Yamaha MotoGP
At a latest occasion in Rome, Rossi cited his proudest achievement as his impression on elevating the profile of MotoGP.
“I’ve had a variety of nice leads to my profession, nevertheless it was actually vital,” he mentioned.
“However my greatest satisfaction is that I used to be in a position to introduce bike racing to so many individuals, even outdoors of the game.
“All through my profession, so many individuals began following the race in Italy, from younger youngsters to grandmothers, and that’s positively what I’m most pleased with nonetheless.”
“I miss MotoGP… however not that a lot”
After retiring on the finish of the 2021 season, Rossi started a full-time profession in automobile racing, first competing within the GT World Problem Europe after which the FIA World Endurance Championship.
After competing in WEC for 2 years in 2024 and 2025, Rossi returned to GTWCE as a manufacturing facility driver for BMW for the 2026 marketing campaign.
Rossi admits he misses racing in MotoGP – “however not that a lot” – however is grateful for the reception he nonetheless receives world wide.
“In fact I miss racing in MotoGP a bit, however not that a lot as a result of I have been racing for so long as I can,” he added.
“Proper now I am collaborating in automobile racing and I am having a variety of enjoyable.
“However my ardour has at all times been bikes and MotoGP, as a result of it was my old flame and for a very long time a very powerful factor in my life.
“There are nonetheless lots of people who see me and are excited and cheer for me, similar to once I was racing.
“This implies lots of people loved watching me race.”
Rossi in motion at Le Mans
©XPB Pictures
Rossi just lately jumped on a Yamaha MotoGP bike and took it up the hill on the Goodwood Pageant of Pace.
In the course of the FoS weekend, he commented that he wish to compete within the Le Mans 24 Hours with Components 1 World Champion Lando Norris.
Rossi continues to have a presence within the MotoGP paddock by means of his VR46 racing group.
