MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is defying age as he prepares for 24th world championship at 40 years old
Valentino Rossi has overcome a number of obstacles during his illustrious career in motorcycle racing and now he is defying a fundamental human process: ageing.
Rossi turned 40 this month but is set to begin his 24th world championship season, having won his first race back in August 1996 in the 125cc class as a 17-year-old. Back then no one knew what this young, eccentric Italian would become, but more than two decades later he is worshipped by millions of fans the world over.
With the new season less than two weeks away, Rossi is not hanging up his leathers any time soon as he bids to become the first forty-something champion since the 1950s.
Dominance
As a teenager, Rossi quickly ascended the ranks, winning the 125cc and 250cc class championships before joining the premier 500cc class in 2000, which he won a year later.
It would become MotoGP from 2002, but as the bike’s permitted engine capacity increased, there was one constant: Rossi was at the top of the drivers’ standings, year after year.
He has nine world titles to his name and seven in the premier class, but it was more than just racing finesse and repeated success that earned him fame and had journalists cramming into his press conferences.
His exuberance won hearts early in his career but he has transcended that, becoming the face of motorcycling across multiple generations.
While in a number of sports continually having the same winner may appear boring, the manner in which Rossi won set him apart.
Winning in style
From his fierce rivalries with Sete Gibernau, Jorge Lorenzo and now Marc Marquez to his extravagant post-race celebrations, Rossi’s propensity to add excitement wherever he went enhanced his appeal.
In his more youthful and victorious days he would perform stunts while crossing the finish line or ride a parade lap dressed as a doctor – a nod to his nickname – or a chicken. After one of his early race wins he picked up a blow-up doll – a dig at his first major rival, Max Biaggi.
In recent years his triumphant days have grown less frequent and last season he failed to win a single race for the first time in his career, although he still managed to finish third in the championship overall.
But off the track he still possesses an unrivalled image and business empire, with his luminous yellow livery and iconic No46 that is recognised around the world and adorns stands at every track.
Staying at the top
He cites his extra-curricular activities as a reason for his resilience to ageing in a demanding sport. Along with the pressure, commitment and pain that comes with competing at the highest level and throwing your body around a track at 350kph, Rossi also owns his own licensing company, co-runs two teams in Moto2 and Moto3, oversees an academy of talent and has his energy drink and video game brands.
As an avid Inter Milan fan too, he recognises the importance of having other interests in life, but his passion has always been racing.
With an estimated net worth of more than £90m, he could comfortably retire to sit at a beach bar anywhere in the world, but he has pledged that after his contract with Yamaha runs out at the end of the 2020 season he will continue racing and perhaps even compete in the Dakar Rally.
Such is the attitude of a man who beneath his flamboyant personality is a fierce competitor. Remarkably, it is an attitude that will take him into his 25th successive world championship next year.