MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi says his proudest achievement isn’t his nine world titles or 89 premier class wins, but rather the way he sparked a new generation’s passion for motorcycle racing.
Speaking at a recent event in Rome, the 47-year-old Italian legend reflected on his long and decorated career: “My greatest satisfaction is having introduced so many people to motorcycle racing, even outside the sport,” Rossi said. “So many people in Italy started following the races during my career—from young children to grandmothers—and that’s definitely the thing that makes me proudest even today.”
Rossi, who retired from MotoGP at the end of 2021, admits he misses racing “a little, but not that much,” having transitioned to a successful car racing career with BMW in the GT World Challenge Europe and FIA World Endurance Championship. Yet, his passion for motorcycles and MotoGP remains, and he cherishes the continued support from fans worldwide.
Rossi’s impact endures through his VR46 Racing Team and special appearances, including a recent Yamaha MotoGP demo at Goodwood Festival of Speed. As he sums it up: “A lot of people enjoyed watching my races. That’s my greatest satisfaction.”
