Valentino Rossi Reunites with Yamaha at Goodwood Festival of Speed

MotoGP legend reunites with his 2020 Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time since retiring, before delivering a spectacular showcase in the BMW V12 LMR.

Subscribe to our Instagram channel for the latest info and news!

Nine-time Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi made an emotional return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, reuniting with Yamaha and riding his 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1 for the first time since retiring from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season.

The legendary Italian was one of the biggest attractions at this year’s festival, celebrating Yamaha’s rich Grand Prix history alongside thousands of motorsport fans gathered at the iconic Goodwood House in West Sussex, England.

Rossi’s appearance began on Friday during the traditional Goodwood balcony event, where he was joined by reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris. The pair received a warm reception from spectators after Norris drove a 1996 Liberty Walk Nissan S13 up the celebrated hill and parked it next to Rossi’s YZR-M1.

The highlight of the weekend came on Saturday when Rossi returned to the legendary Goodwood Hill Climb aboard the 2020 Yamaha YZR-M1 wearing its iconic Monster Energy livery and his signature fluorescent yellow number 46.

The unmistakable sound of the crossplane machine echoed across the Goodwood estate as Rossi led a special demonstration alongside fellow Monster Energy athletes, including Lando Norris, Steve “Baggsy” Biagioni, Petter Solberg, John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop. 

For many fans, it was the first opportunity to witness Rossi riding a MotoGP bike since he retired from Grand Prix racing after an illustrious career that included nine world championships, 115 Grand Prix victories and a lasting partnership with Yamaha. 

Rossi said in a statement: “I am very happy and proud to be back at Goodwood. It has been a little more than ten years since the last time I was here.”

“It is always a special event and a unique weekend. It is impressive how big the event has become, so it’s great to be here for all the fans, and riding my M1 is always fantastic. Yamaha has been a huge part of my life, so it is always emotional when we reunite, and to do it with my 2020 YZR-M1 makes the occasion even more meaningful,” he added. 

Beyond his Yamaha reunion, Rossi also took to the hill behind the wheel of the legendary BMW V12 LMR, the Le Mans-winning prototype now wearing a modern Monster Energy-inspired livery.

The demonstration produced one of the weekend’s most dramatic moments when Rossi lost the rear of the car entering the second corner. However, the Italian displayed the quick reactions that made him one of motorsport’s greatest talents, expertly catching the slide before completing a spectacular 360-degree spin without leaving the circuit or making contact with the surrounding barriers.

Despite the scare, Rossi continued the run safely, drawing cheers from the Goodwood crowd after avoiding what could have been a costly accident.

Now competing full-time in GT racing with Team WRT, Rossi’s smooth recovery behind the wheel of the BMW V12 LMR once again demonstrated the versatility that has defined his post-MotoGP career.

The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed once again showcased the event’s unique ability to bring together motorsport legends and iconic machinery, but few moments captured the imagination quite like Valentino Rossi’s emotional reunion with Yamaha. 

For fans of the Italian legend, hearing the YZR-M1 roar up Goodwood Hill once again was a fitting reminder of one of MotoGP’s greatest partnerships.