40 Years – It is impossible to imagine a MotoGP season without Valentino Rossi. The Italian champion has run in the senior class since 2000, when it was still called 500cc. 17 World Championships, where he won, suffered and fought historical duels. The contract with the Yamaha is going to end in 2018. A year when we may have to say goodbye to Vale. Maybe. Because the Italian champion physically might also continue.
Would it be possible for a MotoGP race in 40 years?
Yes to Rossi. Silvano Galbusera, chief mechanic of Valentino, confirms the possibility that Rossi can continue to run even after the 2018. “He’s still competitive and motivated. It would be a shame if he decides to leave the MotoGP.” Also Rossi agrees. “I totally agree with him. Because it is paranoid to think that at the end of 2018 I will have to stop.” said Vale to Motorsport.com.
So, it is not unreasonable to think that Rossi could run again. But it will depend on the results. “I wish I had a long-term project this year. But also the next years. In 2018, I will have to think about it and decide what to do. It will depend on the results. Now I’m living a second youth. Since three years I’m a protagonist in the fight for the MotoGP Title with Marquez and Lorenzo. I have to figure out if I can have always this level.”
40 Years: Remember Totti and Schumacher
In sport we can see similar cases.There are examples of Michael Schumacher and his return to the Mercedes or Totti’s long career in Rome AS. Valentino may even exceed the age of three riders in the world on two wheels: Ferguson Anderson (44), Jack Findlay (42) and Les Graham (41). “It’s a little embarrassing to think I can run beyond the 40 years. However, I’ll have to think about it.” said Rossi.
Marc Marquez won the Aragon GP. Now the Spaniard smells the taste of the 2016 world title. “It should be very unlucky not to win the title.” acknowledged Jorge Lorenzo, second under the finish line. Four tests by the end of the season, the Honda pilot has 66 points from Lorenzo and 52 from Rossi. Yesterday, the Italian champion arrived third at the finish line.
