Valentino Rossi officially announced that he will retire from MotoGP at the end of 2021.
The Doctor will bring to a close an illustrious 25 year Grand Prix career that has seen him clinch seven premier class World Championships, win 115 Grands Prix, including a record 89 premier class victories, and stand on the podium a remarkable 235 times since he started back in 1996.
On Thursday ahead of the Michelin Grand Prix of Styria, Rossi confirmed that he would be holding a special Press Conference at 16:15 and, with the eyes of the world on him, one of the greatest to have ever graced motorcycle racing confirmed that this season would be his last.
Rossi, the nine time world champion, said “Next year, his life will change. 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 a unforgettable moments with all my guys, the guys who work for me, so… I don’t have a lot to say! Just this.”
The 42-year-old will continue to ride for Petronas Yamaha SRT throughout the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season before concentrating his efforts on his brand-new outfit, the Aramco Racing Team VR46, in 2022.
Good luck Rossi!