The only rider in history to win 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP™ World Championships, Valentino Rossi dominated MotoGP™ with first Honda and then Yamaha, taking the crown five times in a row until Nicky Hayden won the title in 2006. Back on top in 2008 and 2009, the Italian was then beaten to the crown by teammate Jorge Lorenzo in 2010 and left to join the factory Ducati Team. After three podiums over a tough two seasons, the rider from Tavullia was back at Yamaha for 2013 and took his first win in three years in Assen. Runner up in the title in 2014, Rossi then fought for his tenth crown in 2015 but was beaten in the final race by Lorenzo once again. 2016 has seen more pole positions, podiums and race wins and saw the Italian runner up once again; remaining with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP for 2017 with new teammate Maverick Viñales. Another win, at the Dutch GP at the TT Circuit Assen, was the jewel in another successful season – but struggles for the team with low grip and a broken leg sustained in training just before Misano put a damper on the latter half of the year. Rossi impressed to come back from his injury after only three weeks, however, and took another podium before the end of the year, coming second in the awesome showdown at Phillip Island. For 2018, the Italian remained with Yamaha and took another top three overall in the standings, but Rossi didn't stand on the top step in 2018. No win would come Rossi’s way in 2019 either, two podiums in the opening three races would be the only time we saw the number 46 spray the bubbly, while it didn’t get better in 2020, with third in the Andalusian GP his season best result. 2021 sees him make the move to Petronas SRT where he can link up with his academy graduate Franco Morbidelli. Will the change of scenery spark new life into the MotoGP™ veteran?
Legend Stats
Videos
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Rossi and Bagnaia lead Silverstone's star-studded Monster Track Day of Legends
Catch the very best bits from a hugely entertaining day at the iconic British circuit, which had some of the biggest names in two-wheel racing in attendance! #TDOL
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From Stoner to M. Marquez: Ducati's six World Champions
The #93 will form a blockbuster line up with Pecco Bagnaia in 2025, and follows in the footsteps of some of the finest riders the sport has ever seen
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"I am a bit stupid!" - How did Rossi help Bezzecchi's podium charge?
The VR46 boss imparted some wisdom on his protégé in Jerez, with the Italian battling his way to P3 before "bodyslamming" Bagnaia in Parc Ferme!
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Rossi returns for the title decider: "It will be electric!"
The nine-time World Champion is in the paddock as Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin vie for Championship glory in the season finale
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Bagnaia aiming to emulate M. Marquez and Rossi in title chase
The Italian could become the third rider to claim back-to-back MotoGP™ titles, and he would do it in front of 'The Doctor' who's set to be in Valencia
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MotoGP™ Legend Valentino Rossi handed the freedom of Tavullia
The nine-time World Champion was bestowed the highest honour from his hometown and received the keys to the city ahead of the San Marino GP
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UNSEEN: "My heart beats because I saw Valentino..."
Marco Bezzecchi helped cap a superb day for the VR46 academy with the boss watching on in Austria, and the MotoGP™ Legend was in the thick of boisterous celebrations
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Bravo! Rossi salutes Mooney VR46 duo in Austria
Both riders completed moves past Alex Marquez which earned Marco Bezzecchi another MotoGP™ podium and Luca Marini P4 on a big day for the academy
Legend Bio
All categories
MotoGP, 500cc, 250cc, 125cc
Date of birth
16/02/1979
Place of birth
Urbino
Legend Story
News
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Jorge Martin and MotoGP™'s other Independent World Champions
The Spaniard follows in the footsteps of MotoGP™ Legends to win the title on a non-factory team, and the first to do it in the modern era
By motogp.com -
No time to reflect - MotoGP™ just never stops moving
There's no rest for the wicked says former MotoGP™ Nick Harris, as he looks at how Jorge Martin aims to emulate the likes of Valentino Rossi and Eddie Lawson
By Nick Harris -
Greatest MotoGP™ battles of all time: unforgettable duels
The top MotoGP™ fights: iconic rivalries, thrilling showdowns, and unforgettable moments
By motogp.com -
VR46 seat: "Vale is here to make the right decision for 2024"
Team Director Uccio Salucci states there are two riders in the running to replace Luca Marini in the team
By motogp.com -
Multiple MotoGP™ World Champions moving to Ducati: what’s happened before?
Marc Marquez joins former rivals Lorenzo and Rossi in switching to the Bologna factory, but how did it go for those greats?
By motogp.com -
Marc Marquez & Gresini: facing a historic challenge together
The #93 could make history as the first rider in the MotoGP™ era to clinch a World Championship with an independent team
By motogp.com -
Rins has pushed over the first domino
Nick Harris takes a look back at some other huge silly season moves, including Rossi in 2004, as we get set to learn more in the coming weeks
By Nick Harris -
Rossi, MotoGP™ and the rise of personalised butt patches
ESPN explore how rider’s names and nicknames being printed on their butt patches became a distinguishable trend in motorcycle racing
By motogp.com
Videos
-
Rossi and Bagnaia lead Silverstone's star-studded Monster Track Day of Legends
Catch the very best bits from a hugely entertaining day at the iconic British circuit, which had some of the biggest names in two-wheel racing in attendance! #TDOL
-
From Stoner to M. Marquez: Ducati's six World Champions
The #93 will form a blockbuster line up with Pecco Bagnaia in 2025, and follows in the footsteps of some of the finest riders the sport has ever seen
-
"I am a bit stupid!" - How did Rossi help Bezzecchi's podium charge?
The VR46 boss imparted some wisdom on his protégé in Jerez, with the Italian battling his way to P3 before "bodyslamming" Bagnaia in Parc Ferme!
-
Rossi returns for the title decider: "It will be electric!"
The nine-time World Champion is in the paddock as Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin vie for Championship glory in the season finale
-
Bagnaia aiming to emulate M. Marquez and Rossi in title chase
The Italian could become the third rider to claim back-to-back MotoGP™ titles, and he would do it in front of 'The Doctor' who's set to be in Valencia
-
MotoGP™ Legend Valentino Rossi handed the freedom of Tavullia
The nine-time World Champion was bestowed the highest honour from his hometown and received the keys to the city ahead of the San Marino GP
-
UNSEEN: "My heart beats because I saw Valentino..."
Marco Bezzecchi helped cap a superb day for the VR46 academy with the boss watching on in Austria, and the MotoGP™ Legend was in the thick of boisterous celebrations
-
Bravo! Rossi salutes Mooney VR46 duo in Austria
Both riders completed moves past Alex Marquez which earned Marco Bezzecchi another MotoGP™ podium and Luca Marini P4 on a big day for the academy