Mille Grazie Vale!
11/16/2021
They exist, the greats who tower above all others. Be it a Fangio, Clark, Senna or Schumacher, a Giacomo Agostini or a Rolf Biland. Or even a Hermann Mayer or Roger Federer. People who were or are a "my" better than all their rivals in their sport, often over a long, long time.
This naturally includes Valentino Rossi. The nine-time Italian motorcycle champion with his 432 race starts, resulting in 115 victories, 65 pole positions, 96 fastest race laps and 235 podium places, is undisputedly one of them. A certain Lewis Hamilton will soon be joining him in this boat.
Unfortunately, I never got to meet Rossi in person, and I was only able to photograph him once during a training session in Qatar in 2013, but I was always fascinated by "the doctor". His cute rascal face never gave any indication of his speed and determination, he seemed much more like the nice boy next door. This is probably what made him so popular, and not only in Italy, where the priest of Urbino rang the bells for every one of his victories, no matter what time it was.
On Sunday, at the age of 42, he rode to 10th place, demonstrating his great ability, even after 26 years, but unfortunately for the last time to the general public.
"I always imagined this day as a nightmare, because this day marks the end of a long career," explained Rossi in Valencia. "But in the end I really enjoyed it, so I have to thank everyone, everyone who worked with me, the whole paddock, the other riders."
"It was an unforgettable day and I enjoyed it. It's been a long career and it's always been a pleasure," commented number 46 after the final Grand Prix.
All we can say is: Mille, mille Grazie e ciao Vale!
