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!”
Round 2, coming in hot????????????????#ArgentinaGP pic.twitter.com/5cW70BUIaL
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) 3 April 2017