Rome, November 15 (BUS): Nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi has been inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame after the Italian ended his illustrious career of more than two decades with a 10th place finish at the Valencia Grand Prix. Sunday.
Seven-times MotoGP champion Rossi, one of the greatest and most attractive motorcycle champions, delighted fans with a few quick laps at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo, but was unable to add 199 first-class podiums, Reuters reported.
The 42-year-old, nicknamed “The Doctor”, is considering a move to motor racing after participating in the MotoGP Grand Prix.
“I always think of this day as a nightmare because it’s the end of a long career and I think it’s going to be in Valencia but in the end I enjoyed it a lot so I have to thank everyone,” Rossi said.
“Everyone who worked with me, the entire ring, and the other jockeys… It was an unforgettable day and I enjoyed it. It’s been a long career, and it has always been a pleasure.”
Rossi, the only rider to win titles in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc and MotoGP classes, took a final round of honor on Sunday to standing ovations from the audience as fireworks billowed through the sky, before An emotional farewell with the Petronas Yamaha team.
Rossi was a showman on and off the bike, known for his quirky style after winning, last winning a MotoGP in 2017 with Yamaha, at the Dutch TT race in Assen.