350 GPs: Rossi hits a milestone in Argentina

Nine-time World Champion still setting records as the first to hit 350

From the 125 to 250 to 500 to MotoGP™ World Championship, Valentino Rossi has now started 349 Grands Prix – and is set to hit the big 350 in the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina, becoming the first rider to do so. The venue could be a good one for the veteran, as Rossi is one of only two winners at the track – the other being arch nemesis Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).

Rewinding to before Qatar, it was a difficult preseason for the Italian legend, but the Movistar Yamaha rider showed some Sunday magic once again to get onto the podium. That made 2017 a record 22nd consecutive season in which the ‘Doctor’ has had a podium finish – another record – and it is also his eighteenth consecutive premier class season taking at least one podium – you guessed it, another record.

As he lines up for his 350th race, Rossi is also lining up in the 888th GP event counting towards the world championship classification – meaning the number 46 has taken part in almost 40% of all Grand Prix events since the Championship began in 1949. And despite a tough start, it’s looking up after the result in Qatar as 2017 sets sails for round two.

Valentino Rossi: “It wasn't an easy start to the championship. We have worked so hard during the test, but during the weekend of the first race we have fixed a few things, especially in the front. The race went very well and I was very happy to be able to get on the podium. Now we go to Argentina. This is a track that I like very much and I'm happy to go there. I hope that there are good asphalt conditions because last year it was difficult for us. We will try to work better and try to go once again on the podium!”