This is a fact that gives a special dimension to Valentino Rossi. So, he has just seen the generation that was to take over from him retire. But he is still there and is preparing to face a new wave populated by drivers who were sometimes not even born when he participated in his first Grand Prix in 1996...
It's a moment that deserves attention: the generation of pilots who were to be the next generation of Valentino Rossi has already finished his career in MotoGP. While the Doctor continues his career. Indeed, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo, Cal Crutchlow and others were of a generation likely to take over the reins after the reign of the “Doctor”. However, they are all already retired or, at the very least, they are no longer Grand Prix starters.
Meanwhile, Red, he is still on the trail. “ I am older than Dovizioso, Pedrosa and Jorge. They were the younger generation after me », says the Italian. “ But everyone has their own story, their own motivation and passion. Age is only one factor » Vale repeats.
Motivation is still strong at Rossi. In the days leading up to Christmas, Rossi was back on his MotorRanch with its pilots from the VR46 Academy. It was the last training before the holidays and the start of the year.
Rossi never gets tired of it
It's the March 31, 1996 that Valentino Rossi started his first Grand Prix in the 125cc category in Shah Alam. When the Italian's world championship career began this Sunday in Malaysia, eight riders of the MotoGP championship in 2021 were not even born…: Alex Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, his half-brother Luca marini, the World Champion Joan Mir, Enea Bastianini titled in Moto2 this season, Jorge Martin, Fabio Quartararo et Iker Lecuona.
A singularity which does not move more than that one who was born in Tavullia for almost 42 years: “ I'm happy to be able to drive next year and I hope to be competitive. It's always difficult because the young drivers continue to get stronger. It's a big challenge, but I'll try » ends the one who is also thinking of becoming a father soon...
