This morning, news broke of a special press conference involving Valentino Rossi, to take place ahead of the Austrian race weekend. His retirement announcement was already being muted, after a very difficult season with team Petronas that hasn’t brought the desired results.
The hard truth
Getting straight to the point, but always with a smile on his face, Rossi therefore confirmed his imminent retirement: “I’ve made my decision and I’ve decided to stop at the end of the season. This will be my last half season as a MotoGP rider”.
It was a tough decision for Valentino, a man who has made motorcycle race history over the years: "I would have liked to race with my team, along with my brother – he adds – but it’s OK. We still have some races and I think it will be even more difficult when I get to the last race. I can’t complain with regard to my career anyway”.
Rossi’s future? Nothing is certain, but the nine-time champion has made it clear that he’d like to race cars.
Translated by Heather Watson
MotoGP, Valentino Rossi: “The Red Bull Ring doesn't play to our strengths”