CHESTE (ESPA) — Valentino Rossi, who was honored by his fans, rivals, and other athletes, ended his acclaimed career that spanned more than 20 years with a 10th place finish in Sunday’s MotoGP race in Spain.
Francesco Bagnaia, the winner of the race, and other riders followed Rossi’s lead until Rossi stopped in front the grandstands to pay respects to his fans.
After he had completed his final lap on the track, members of other teams waited for him on the pitlane.
“It’s possible to give a present today to Vale,” stated fellow Italian Bagnaia. He wore a helmet that had Rossi’s No. It had 46 marks. “I would like to dedicate this race and to Vale to thank him for all he has done.”
On the broadcast’s television, several video messages were shown to Rossi, including ones from Tom Cruise and Keanu Reynolds, as well as those of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton and Gianluigi Buuffon.
Ronaldo, a former Brazil striker, waved the checkered flag at race’s end to mark the final crossing of the Italian veteran.
Rossi had earlier announced that he would be retiring sooner in the season.
He has won nine world titles, his seven victories in top motorcycling series being in the 2001-05 season and the 2008-09 season.
Sunday’s race was his 372nd in the main series. He won 89 races and finished on the podium 199 times.
France’s Fabio Quartararo had won this year’s MotoGP title.
