Valentino Rossi leaves and a page of motorsport turns. The 42-year-old Italian finished 10th in the Valencia Grand Prix, the last of a brilliant career, won by his compatriot Francesco Bagnaia.
Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), 5th Sunday, having already secured his first world title in two races, the party was for Rossi this weekend. His number 46 was everywhere. On the helmets of his disciples “Pecco” Bagnaia – vice-world champion and winner of his 4th GP of the year on Sunday – Franco Morbidelli or Luca Marini (his half-brother).
“Grazie Vale”
The checkered flag – waved by former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo – passed, the pilots stopped to pay homage one last time to Rossi, as fireworks were fired in broad daylight, a Valencian specialty.
Returning to the garage, the Italian with 89 victories in the premier class got on his motorcycle raising his arms, one last time in his suit, to thank the crowd, to the unanimous cries of the “Grazie Vale”. Next year, the one who will become a dad and wants to try his hand at car racing, will remain present in MotoGP with the arrival of the VR46 structure as Ducati’s satellite team.