Valentino Rossi: “On Monday, my life will change”

The Valencia GP usually marks the end of the season MotoGP, but this weekend has a very special meaning: it is the very last appearance of Valentino Rossi in Grand Prix. Since his retirement announcement at the Styrian GP, ​​we knew this moment was coming. We knew that this Valencia GP was going to have a special flavor, especially since the title was decided a few weeks ago in Italy. 

If, with the exception of photographers, only a handful of journalists had until now been authorized to physically attend press conferences (health protocol requires), this time the room was full. “I always imagined this conference, but it's different in Valencia, because it's a special place for me, even if this place actually represents the complete opposite,” said Rossi, who lost the title to Nicky Hayden in 2006 or even in 2015 against Jorge Lorenzo on the Valencia circuit in unprecedented circumstances. “I try to take it normally, because Valencia is usually a good time for everyone. This means that the holidays begin after a long season. But from Monday, my life will change. I don't want to take it like that, because I'm going to continue to drive a car, I'll be a car driver in this case. »

“I’m going to keep driving in the car…” – Valentino Rossi

In 26 Grand Prix seasons, Rossi has touched several generations. The Italian is beginning to measure the impact he has had through this sport after receiving numerous messages from his fans, but also from his rivals today and before. “I think many people started to be interested in MotoGP to follow my career from the beginning,” he admitted. The sport has become bigger, more famous in Italy, but also around the world. It's good to understand that as my career progressed, I became different, a bit like an icon and that's a great pleasure. As a driver, the results and what happens on track are important, but I think it's the best thing of my career. »

A special surprise on the eve of his final Grand Prix! 🤩@ValeYellow46 unveiled his nine title-winning bikes and the memories came flooding back! 🙌#Thanks, it's worth it pic.twitter.com/vo3aw6rCL2

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) November 11, 2021

Ahead of this exceptional conference, Rossi was able to rediscover the nine motorcycles with which he won his nine crowns. “I have the motorcycles at home, with the exception of the Hondas,” he said. I have Aprilias and Yamahas in my house. The 2004 model is in my bedroom and I see it every morning when I get up. » And precisely, on the subject of the missing pieces from his collection, Rossi added: “I am speaking with Alberto (Puig, Honda Repsol team manager, editor’s note). I asked for the 500cc at least, because it's mine, the one that Honda was supposed to give me. I already have the place at home, but for some reason the bike never arrived. But I'll be happy if Honda changes their mind and gives me this one. What is certain is that it would be well kept, at the right temperature (laughs). »

Among the pilots present at this conference, he had fabio quartararo who has never hidden his admiration for Rossi. The Frenchman was a year old when the Italian won the 250cc title, his second crown. “It was hard to see,” said the 2021 MotoGP world champion. “In a sense, we all wanted him to stay. He is a legend of this sport and he brought something special with for example these celebrations. He is the idol of many of us and I congratulate him on his career. »

“It’s a difficult day, but I’m sure no one will forget it” – Pecco Bagnaia

Quartararo's runner-up, Francesco Bagnaia is also part of the academy launched by the nine-time world champion to help and supervise young Italian drivers. “I have to say that I was lucky to share the track with him, lucky to have won alongside him or even to train with him,” Bagnaia said. It's a difficult day, but I'm sure no one will forget it. »

Rossi may have covered more than the circumference of the earth at the equator in racing since his debut in 1996, but on Sunday during the four kilometers of his victory lap, the emotion will be palpable in the paddock, the stands, but also across the world…