MotoGP, Rossi: “The baby will be here soon”

2022 is a year of new experiences for Valentino Rossi, who will be watching his former MotoGP colleagues from home. Riders in the reigning class are in Malaysia right now, ready to head out for testing on 5-6 February, while the Doctor is enjoying his ‘retirement’ and awaiting the birth of his daughter with girlfriend Francesca Sofia Novello.

Rossi: “Happy with my decision”

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During an interview with Radio Deejay, the nine-time champion tried to explain what’s he feeling right now, reiterating that he has no regrets about his decision to retire: “How am I doing without the bike? They’re about the start the first tests in Malaysia, the first tests that I won’t be there for. We’ll have to see how I feel, particularly when the racing starts in Qatar on 6 March. But I’m happy with my decision, it was the right time”, analyses the Doctor. “To think about starting over again now and heading out for 21 non-stop races around the world is tough. I’m a good age after all. So it’s all good”.

Top secret name

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Valentino is enjoying a rest, before turning his attention to the four-wheel adventure that awaits with team Audi WRT: “Everything's fairly relaxed right now, I’m having a holiday I guess… but I'll be testing the car soon. The first test is on 14 February, Valentine’s Day. But we need to see when the baby is born…”

The couple’s daughter will be here soon, and this is the former rider’s top priority: “In terms of future projects with Audi, we’ll also need to see when Francesca gives birth, as we’re nearly there”. Valentino doesn’t want to reveal his daughter’s name but does provide a clue as to when she might be born: “She should arrive more or less on my birthday. We’ll see. We’ve already decided on a name, but we’ll only reveal it once she’s here. Not long to go now, ten days or so. I don’t really know what to expect”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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