Overview

Valentino Rossi, often referred to as “The Doctor,” is one of the most successful and charismatic motorcycle racers in history. Born on February 16, 1979, in Urbino, Italy, Rossi’s career spanned over two decades, during which he achieved unparalleled success in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. He is the only rider in history to win World Championships in four different classes: 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, and MotoGP.

Rossi made his Grand Prix debut in 1996 in the 125cc class, winning his first World Championship the following year. He progressed to the 250cc class and secured another World Championship in 1999. In the premier 500cc class, Rossi won the World Championship in 2001 with Honda. He continued his dominance in the newly named MotoGP class, winning five consecutive World Championships from 2001 to 2005, and added two more titles in 2008 and 2009. Over his illustrious career, Rossi won a total of nine World Championships and 115 Grand Prix victories, making him one of the sport’s most decorated riders.

Rossi’s career was marked by his versatility, exceptional racecraft, and his ability to adapt to different bikes and racing conditions. His charismatic personality and flair for dramatic race wins endeared him to fans worldwide. Even after his retirement in 2021, Rossi remains a significant figure in the sport, continuing to influence the MotoGP scene through his VR46 Riders Academy and other ventures.

• Nine-time World Champion (125cc, 250cc, 500cc, MotoGP)
• 115 Grand Prix victories
• Inducted as a MotoGP Legend (2021)