After 25 unforgettable years, Valentino Rossi has called time on his racing career. In celebration of The Doctor, we've taken the liberty of finding some of the best pictures from his iconic career, and have shared them with you below.
Brno 1997: The first title
A podium at the Czech GP delivered the 125 cc World Championship for Rossi, as his P3 finish meant he couldn’t be caught and handed him the first of his nine world titles.
Brazil 1999: The Guardian Angel
The Doctor took his first 250cc World Championship victory two years later with Aprilia in Rio de Janeiro, in the penultimate round of the 1999 season. Race winner ahead of Tohru Ukawa and Loris Capirossi, the '46' did his lap of honour with his guardian angel sitting behind him.
Phillip Island 2001: First premier class crown
The magical Australian circuit was the scene of Rossi's first premier class title triumph, winning a hard-fought 500cc race over compatriot and rival Max Biaggi, beating him on a breathtaking last lap by just 13 thousandths of a second. An unbeatable way to savour his first World Championship title in the premier class.
Sepang 2005: Snow White and the 7 titles
The 2005 Malaysian Grand Prix was the scene of yet another victory for Rossi, his fifth in a row in the premier class and his second with Yamaha. It was the seventh World Championship crown for the Doctor, who once again surprised everyone by staging an iconic celebration in the company of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. A very on the nose way of letting the public know it was title number seven.
Mugello 2008: A trademark helmet
Rossi's visit to the Mugello International Circuit always had a surprise in store for his fans, whether it was on or off the track. His special edition helmets for the Italian GP are well known, such as the one he used in 2008.
Laguna Seca 2008: King of the Corkscrew
The 2008 US Grand Prix will always be remembered by motorcycling fans for providing one of the most illustrious passages of the sport's modern era with the Doctor's famous manoeuvre at the famous Laguna Seca Corkscrew, where the Italian overtook Casey Stoner en route to an important victory that would mark a major turning point in the title chase that season.
Motegi 2008: Sorry for the delay
After a two year wait, having lost his Championship crown to the much-missed Nicky Hayden (2006) and Casey Stoner (2007), Rossi reclaimed the world title in 2008 with a win at the Japanese GP ahead of the Australian rider. His triumph was accompanied by another trademark celebration, with the '46’ apologising for the delay and putting on another 'show' in the presence of a notary named Ottavio Ottaviani.
Argentina 2015: Myths are the name of the game
After winning the first round of the year in Qatar and taking the podium in Austin, Rossi returned to the podium in the third GP of 2015 at Termas de Rio Hondo, winning with authority ahead of Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow. In full support of the Argentinean fans, Rossi returned the affection by paying tribute to Diego Maradona by wearing his jersey.
San Marino 2014: A crowd-pleaser at Misano
After returning to MotoGP™ victory at Assen 2013 following a two-year drought with Ducati, Rossi tasted victory again in 2014 at Misano, much to the delight of the Italian fans.
Assen 2017: Conquest of the Cathedral