It will be a farewell for the history books. On Sunday, Valentino Rossi will ride his final race at the Red Bull Ring. Here are some facts on his incredible career.
4. 8. 1996
Valentino Rossi took his first ever podium position – in Spielberg. The young Aprilia rider celebrated third place in the 125 cc class.
5. 8. 2021
25 years and one day later, Valentino Rossi announced his retirement from active racing in Spielberg – as a nine-time world champion and absolute legend of his sport.
9133
Days are between the two dates. The Doctor used them to collect a massive 6330 world championship points – a record by a huge margin!
46
Kilometres per hour is the speed limit in Valentino’s place of birth, Tavullia – a tribute to his iconic race number.
4
Different manufacturers Vale has ridden for in his career – Aprilia, Honda, Ducati and Yamaha. He was a world champion with all apart from Ducati. He is also the most successful Aprilia and Yamaha rider in history.
7
is the worst finishing position Vale had in an Austrian GP (2017). He has been on the podium twice. He has not taken a win here yet – his last chance is on Sunday!
89
wins have been taken by VR46 in the elite racing series. For comparison – the legendary Giacomo Agostini is in second place – with 21 (!) fewer wins.
23
times in a row Vale was on the podium between Portugal 2002 and South African 2004. That is also a record.
1
fastest lap in Austria is in Valentino Rossi’s name. In 1997 nobody was faster than he was in his 125cc Aprilia.
2
is Vale’s best starting position in Austria. He has managed that twice – in 1997 with the eight-litre Aprilia and in 2016 with the MotoGP Yamaha.
425
He will start a motorcycle Grand Prix race for the four hundred-and-twenty-fifth time in Austria on Sunday. The second highest starter (Loris Capirossi) made 328 starts – close to 100 fewer.
10
times Valentino Rossi will have raced in Spielberg when he pulls on his race leather at the Red Bull Ring for the last time on Sunday.
50.000
Fans or more came to see him in Spielberg in years past to turn the green countryside here yellow – ferragosto in stiria.
1.000.000
Kisses are being given by the Greatest of All Time to his fans on his farewell tour. 15 August 2021 at the Red Bull Ring is your last chance to get one!
