Valentino Rossi, a living legend

An Italian rider, born on February 16th, 1979 in Urbino, Italy. Rossi was riding bikes from an early age; the credit goes to the encouragement of his father Graziano, who himself a former Grand Prix winner. Later the start in go-karts, Rossi progressed to mini-motos and quickly showed a talent for two-wheels,  in 1992 becoming the regional champion.

The following few years saw him quickly rise through the ranks of junior road racing, claiming the Italian Sports Production Championship in 1994 and the Italian 125cc Championship in 1995. He secures 3rd place in the 125cc European Championship, that was enough to ensure him a ride in the World Championship the following year.

9 Times World Championship Wins

125 cc

1996 – 9th 125cc with Aprilia RS125
1997 – 1st 125cc Second Youngest World Champion with Aprilia RS125

250 cc

1998 – 2nd 250cc with Aprilia RS250
1999 – 1st 250cc Youngest World Champion with Aprilia RS250

500 cc

2000 – 2nd 500cc (Premiere class) with Honda NSR500
2001 – 1st 500cc (Premiere class) with Honda NSR500

MotoGP

2002 – 1st MotoGP with Honda RC211V
2003 – 1st MotoGP with Honda RC211V
2004 – 1st MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1
2005 – 1st MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2006 – 2nd MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2007 – 3rd MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1
2008 – 1st MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1
2009 – 1st MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2010 – 3rd MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2011 – 7th MotoGP with Ducati Desmosedici GP11

2012 – 6th MotoGP with Ducati Desmosedici GP12

2013 – 4th MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2014 – 2nd MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2015 – 2nd MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

2016 – 2nd MotoGP with Yamaha YZR-M1

Valentino Rossi, a living legend