The Legends Parade at the Austrian MotoGP delivered a nostalgic spectacle as former champions returned to the track on their iconic bikes. Fans at the Red Bull Ring witnessed greats such as Casey Stoner, Giacomo Agostini, Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, and others take part in the special event.
However, one glaring absence caught the attention of spectators: Valentino Rossi. Despite being present at the event, Rossi did not join his fellow legends on track.
Social media quickly filled with questions about his absence, with many fans pointing out the potential clash between sponsorships. Rossi is a long-time ambassador for Monster Energy, while Red Bull is the title sponsor of the Austrian Grand Prix. Fans speculated that this brand rivalry may have been the reason behind his decision to skip the parade.
While Rossi did not confirm the reason for sitting out, his presence was still felt. He shared a warm moment with former rival Casey Stoner on the grid before the race, though his encounter with Marc Marquez was noticeably less friendly.
For fans who hoped to see Rossi back on his Yamaha for a farewell lap, disappointment lingered. Still, the sight of other legends, including Stoner on a classic Repsol Honda, gave the parade its magic.
