Valentino Rossi retired from MotoGP racing at the end of the 2021 season.
Rossi announced his decision in August 2021, bringing a remarkable premier-class career to a close after the Valencia Grand Prix on November 14. He finished that final race in 10th place. Rossi had already become one of motorcycle racing’s defining figures, winning seven premier-class championships and nine World Championship titles across all classes.
His career began in the 125cc World Championship in 1996, and he won the 500cc title in 2001 before becoming the first MotoGP-era champion in 2002. He later won MotoGP championships in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, creating a legacy that extended across Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, and Yamaha’s satellite team.
Rossi’s retirement from MotoGP did not mean he stopped competing. He subsequently moved into car racing, including GT competition, while continuing to support the VR46 academy and racing organization. The number 46 is closely associated with his career.