Rossi reaches 200: The paddock pays tribute

From an early age, Valentino Rossi was quick to impress and immediately caught the eye of then Aprilia Racing boss Carlo Pernat, a friend of his father Graziano, when he was only fifteen, before making his 125cc World Championship debut in 1996 under the tutelage of Giampiero Sacchi.

The young Rossi proved equally remarkable both on and off-track with his unmistakable style and antics, helped by close friend and personal assistant Uccio, as recalled by motogp.com live commentator and paddock veteran Nick Harris.

With the support of Clinica Mobile boss Doctor Claudio Costa, Rossi has been able to make 199 GP starts since his GP debut in 1996 - not missing a single race along the way, setting new records, as documented by biographer Enrico Borghi.

Taking over as king of the premier class scene after half a decade of Australian domination by Mick Doohan, Rossi reached the top working with his predecessor´s long-standing crew chief Jeremy Burgess, first tasting MotoGP glory with Honda before opening a new chapter of his career with Yamaha, under the guidance of Davide Brivio.

Click on the name of those who were - and are - closely associated with Rossi´s ongoing career to listen their individual testimony to The Doctor. motogp.com also brings you highlights of the Italian seven-time World Champion´s career in the 125 (free video), 250, 500 and MotoGP classes.