MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi to retire at the end of 2021 season

Michelle L.

August 5, 2021

Valentino Rossi confirms his retirement and is setting sights to focus on his VR46 Team.

Valentino Rossi announces his retirement.

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MotoGP top gun and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi has just announced that he will be retiring from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season.

The Italian confirmed his retirement in a special press conference today, ahead of the Grand Prix of Styria this weekend. Many have speculated Rossi’s retirement after a season full of dismay this year. After nine races, The Doctor stands at 19th place overall with 17 points on the board. Rossi’s best performance was at Mugello, in which he claimed 10th place. He further crashed out of two races. Rossi has yet to bounce back from his overall position of 15th last season.

There were rumours of Rossi potentially racing for his new Aramco Racing Team VR46 for next season, but that has been put to rest with Rossi’s announcement. Despite that, Rossi will be “concentrating his efforts” on his new team for 2022.

“It’s difficult to say and know that next year I will not race with a motorcycle,” Rossi said.

Rossi moved from Yamaha’s factory team to satellite team  Petronas Yamaha SRT for the 2021 season.  He is the only rider to have started 400 or more races in the sports’ history. He has also accumulated a total of 115 victories, with 89 coming in MotoGP.

Rossi said he has enjoyed a career of “unforgettable moments”. By the end of his final campaign, Rossi will have completed a remarkable 26 seasons. Throughout his outstanding career, Rossi has secured the 125cc and 250cc titles, a single 500cc crown and six MotoGP titles.

“It was great, I’ve enjoyed it very much, it’s been a long, long journey and it was really fun. It’s 25-26 years in the World Championship, so it was great. Next year, my life will change.”

Rossi has maintained himself a MotoGP icon since the early 00s and 10s. He was the poster for mainstream media and brought the spotlight to MotoGP as well. Till today, loyal fans still head over to his hometown of Tavullia throughout the year.

Valentino Rossi in 2001.

“It’s difficult. It’s a sad moment because it’s difficult to say and to know that next year I will not race with a motorcycle. I’ve done this for more-or-less 30 years! So next year my life will change.

“But anyway it was great. I enjoyed it very much. It was a long, long journey. Really funny. 26 years in the world championship. I’ve had unforgettable moments with all my team and all my guys that worked for me.

“In all sports, results make the difference, so at the end, it’s the right way. I had the chance to race for my team in MotoGP together with brother, something that for sure I like. But anyway it’s okay like this I think… I can’t complain about my career!”