This time, it is decided, Rossi will retire and while we are not yet at the end of this season, which will mark the moment to assert pension rights, we already feel the emptiness that this go create. In his conférence press where he delivered the fruit of mature reflection during the summer break, there was one big absentee, in the representation and the arguments: Yamaha. However, the story between the two is more than linked. From Japan, there still came a reaction…
Valentino Rossi has forged a great career, but it should also be mentioned that the Doctor was a fundamental element in the history of Yamaha in MotoGP. Starting with this first victory in South Africa in 2004, the first of 56 won together, in addition to 42 podiums and, of course, 4 world titles. After announcing his retirement, the words of Yoshihiro Hidaka, president and CEO of the Japanese company, were not long in coming.
« First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Valentino for the great collaboration we had with him. We will miss him greatly on the track, in the paddock and behind the scenes, but we fully respect his decision " he said. “ At Yamaha, we are very proud to motorcycle heritage that we created together. Our 16 years as a partner have been filled with epic on-track battles and victories ».
« At Yamaha, we always strive to give our fans and customers the Kando feel. In a sense, Valentino's entire career at Yamaha embodies this quest for the deep satisfaction and intense excitement we feel when we encounter something of exceptional value. We are all very happy that Valentino has decided to remain a Yamaha rider until the end of his MotoGP career. » specifies the boss.
« Rossi is an important part of Yamaha's sporting heritage«
« There are too many great Yamaha moments with Valentino to pick one as a favorite » continues the Japanese. “ There have also been challenges over the years, but the trust between us has never wavered and it has even strengthened our partnership. Valentino's successes have been accomplished both on and off the track, and form an important part of Yamaha's sporting heritage ».
He finishes : " we thank him for his incredible efforts, for his unparalleled skills and for his unwavering passion and optimism. We are proud to have been part of its unique success story. We will forever cherish the precious memories we created together and hope to continue adding them with him as Yamaha brand ambassador ". Retirement is going to be busy...
Lynn Jarvis, General Manager of Yamaha also commented: “ we all knew that one day the end of Valentino's illustrious Grand Prix career would come. His unrivaled skills and warm charisma will surely be missed by fans, media, the MotoGP paddock and all Yamaha personnel. But before he finally hangs up his suit, we still have nine opportunities to appreciate and savor his appearances in the remaining Grands Prix of the 2021 season.
“In this sense, it is entirely appropriate that we see the return of racing fans and spectators to many upcoming races. So let's enjoy all the next Grands Prix and then we will have the chance to say a real thank you to Valentino at the end of the Valencia Grand Prix weekend in Novembere ».
