Italy’s motorcycle idol Valentino Rossi ended his unique career last year, and now the number 46 in the MotoGP class is no longer awarded in honor of the nine-time world champion. A ceremony is to take place before the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello (May 29).
Rossi (43) had finished after the past season. For more than 20 years, “The Doctor” shaped the motorcycle scene like no other, the yellow 46 was always one of his trademarks.
The number will be removed from circulation at a celebratory event on the start-finish straight on the race weekend before qualifying on Saturday.
Rossi is now on four wheels in the GT World Challenge Europe. At the beginning of March he became a father for the first time. Partner Francesca Sofia Novello gave birth to their daughter Giulietta in Urbino.