Auf einer Pressekonferenz heute am Red Bull Ring hat Valentino Rossi angekündigt, seine Rennfahrer-Karriere zum Ende 2021 beim Valencia-GP zu beenden. Im Laufe seiner mehr als ein Vierteljahrhundert umfassenden Karriere hat der Italiener neun Weltmeisterschaften, 115 Siege und 235 Podestplätze eingeheimst. Er ist der einzige Fahrer in der Geschichte der Motorrad-WM, der Titel in den Kategorien 125 ccm, 250 ccm, 500 ccm und MotoGP gewonnen hat. Als weltweiter Publikumsliebling geniesst »The Doctor« längst den Status eines Rockstars.
Valentino Rossi: »I said I would take a decision for next year after the summer break, and I decided to stop at the end of the season. Unfortunately this will be my last half season as a MotoGP rider. And it’s difficult, it’s a very sad moment because it’s difficult to say it and know that next year I will not race with a motorcycle, I’ve done that for I think more or less 30 years! Next year, my life will change. But it was great, I’ve enjoyed it very much, it’s been a long, long journey and it was really, really fun. It’s 25, 26 years in the World Championship, so it was great. And I had unforgettable moments with all my guys, the guys who work for me, so… I don’t have a lot to say! Just this:
»I had a very long career and fortunately I won a lot of races, but I have some moments and victories that are unforgettable. Pure joy. Some things where I laughed for a week and after 10 days I’d still be laughing, wonder why and remember the race. It’s difficult, yes. A difficult decision but you need to understand… I think in the end in sport, the results make the difference. So at the end I think it’s the right way. It’s difficult because I had the chance to race for my team in MotoGP, together with my brother, something that I would like. But it’s ok like this I think… we have another half season, I don’t know how many races, I think it will be more difficult when we arrive at the last race, but for now it’s just to say my decision to everyone. I can’t complain about my career!«
Hier folgen viele schöne Schnappschüsse aus der langen Rossi-Historie:
Und noch einige aktuelle Impressionen aus 2021 auf der Petronas Yamaha YZR-M1:
Fotos: MotoGP, Yamaha, Buenos Dias, Honda (Andrew Nortcott), Ducati Corse.
