Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi ( ROSS-ee; Italian: [valenˈtiːno ˈrossi]; born 16 February 1979) is an Italian racing driver, former professional motorcycle road racer and nine-time Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champion. Nicknamed "the Doctor", Rossi is widely considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. He is also the only road racer to have competed in 400 or more Grands Prix. Of Rossi's nine Grand Prix World Championships, seven were in the premier 500cc/MotoGP class. He holds the record for most premier class victories and podiums, with 89 victories and 199 podiums to his name.

Rossi won the 2003 title in Malaysia, his third in the top class and fifth title overall, with two races remaining. He won the final race in the Valencian Community round, his final win for Honda.

Rossi made the switch from Honda to Yamaha and signed a two-year contract with the team. Rossi took pole and won the South African race after a hard-fought battle with Max Biaggi, becoming the first rider to win consecutive races with different manufacturers. A 23-race podium streak ended with fourth places in Spain. and France, but Rossi responded with three consecutive victories in Italy, Catalunya, and the Netherlands.

Rossi retired in Rio de Janeiro and finished fourth in Germany but bounced back by winning the British round from pole. He then went on to finish second in the Czech Republic, first in Portugal and second once again in Japan.

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