|
Seven-times MotoGP title winner Rossi, one of the greatest and
most charismatic of motorcycling champions, delighted fans with
a few quick laps at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit but was
unable to add to his 199 premier-class podiums.
The 42-year-old, nicknamed "The Doctor", is considering a move
into car racing after competing in Grand Prix motorcycling.
"I always think of this day like a nightmare, because it's the
end of a long career and I thought it would be in Valencia but
in the end, I enjoyed it a lot so I have to thank everyone,"
Rossi said.
"Everyone who has worked with me, the whole paddock, the other
riders … it was an unforgettable day and I enjoyed it. It was a
long career, and always a pleasure."
Rossi, the only rider to win titles in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc
and MotoGP categories, took a final lap of honour on Sunday to a
standing ovation from the crowd as fireworks dotted the sky,
before an emotional farewell with his Petronas Yamaha team.
A showman on the bike and off it, and famed for his post-victory
antics, Rossi last won a MotoGP race in 2017 with Yamaha, in the
Dutch TT at Assen.
(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen
Coates)
[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
