Joining the Japanese garage in 2004, Valentino Rossi made history by winning the first race on the M1. Rossi was not only a great performer for MotoGP itself, but the charismatic Italian also became an absolute windfall for Yamaha .
Over the last 26 years Valentino Rossi has become a sporting icon, inspiring thousands in the sport of two and four wheels. His number and his emblematic yellow color have filled the stands of the World Cup, earning a place in the hearts of millions of fans. However, the Italian rider announced his retirement at the end of the year and there are many who wonder what will happen to MotoGP if the number #46 is no longer on the starting grid of the world championship.
”There are always legends, but the sport is constantly evolving. There are always young riders coming up,” says Yamaha manager Lin Jarvis.
”In Formula 1 there are many great young drivers who stand out. We experienced the Senna years, then the Schumacher years, and more recently the Hamilton dominance. The same will happen in MotoGP”, predicts Jarvis comparing the two with the four wheels.
“We have worked with Valentino for 16 years and have witnessed the peak of his career and recognize the value he brought to the sport. He became an icon of our brand and we hold him in high esteem”, added the head of the Japanese training.
However, Jarvis acknowledges that it is time to look forward and pave the way for promising youngsters who are also trying to make their own niche in motorcycling history.
”We want to transport this connection that we had with him into the future. We all benefit from the popularity that the sport of two wheels has experienced thanks to Valentino Rossi. But all sports are evolving . We have already seen it in skiing, tennis and Formula 1”, concluded Lin Jarvis.
