The MotoGP circus has set up its tents this weekend at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli to host the San Marino Grand Prix. On Thursday evening, however, interest shifted from the paddock of the circuit (which is technically located in Santa Monica) to Tavullia, the hometown of Valentino Rossi, just 15 kilometers away.
As part of a solemn ceremony entitled “Tavullia Vale”, the most famous son of the 8,000-inhabitant community was symbolically presented with the key to the city. The key presented is a custom-made item made of titanium.
In addition to Rossi, the riders currently active in the Motorcycle World Championship who come from the VR46 Academy were on stage: MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia, his colleagues Marco Bezzecchi, Luca Marini and Franco Morbidelli, as well as Moto2 rider Celestino Vietti and Moto3 -Pilot Andrea Migno.
Under the eyes of father Graziano Rossi, helmet designer Aldo Drudi, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta, FIM President Jorge Viegas, Rossi’s long-time friend and current VR46 team boss Alessio “Uccio” Salucci and, last but not least, thousands of enthusiastic fans, Rossi received the key to the city from the hands of Tavullia’s mayor Francesca Paolucci.
Tavullia’s mayor thanks Rossi for his services
“Tavullia is proud to have a citizen like you, Valentino. You have made us known throughout the world,” said Paolucci, calling the key “a recognition to which the city feels called.”
“The reason is obvious,” said the mayor. “Tavullia is known all over the world. Everywhere in the world you can find someone with the number 46. You have made us known all over the world. You are a legend and we are very proud that Tavullia has a citizen like you and We’ll have you by our side in everyday and extraordinary things. We’ll never be able to show you enough pride, but we’ll try.”
Rossi himself returned the thanks straight away: “I’m very happy. Thank you! I was really wondering what advantage the key has! Now I can open and close the walls of the city. So if you want to get in, you have to use me questions!”
“Thank you to my fans who have supported me throughout my career, all over the world,” said Rossi. “It was great to have all this support even at racetracks that were very far away, not to mention Misano and Mugello. Getting this support was a crazy feeling. Thank you everyone, see you soon!”
Brembo honors Rossi with a special trophy
Apart from the ceremonial ceremony in Tavullia, Rossi also received a second award at the current MotoGP weekend in Misano. On Friday afternoon he was presented with a special trophy from Brembo at the race track. On the one hand, it consists of a brake disc from a 125cc motorcycle from 1996, and on the other hand from a brake disc from a MotoGP motorcycle from 2021.
Of course this is no coincidence. In his active career in the motorcycle world championship, which spanned 26 years from 1996 to 2021, Rossi always competed with Brembo brakes. The Italian manufacturer has been the official brake supplier for all teams for many years.
As for Rossi, all of his successes, especially his nine world titles and his 115 Grand Prix victories, have been achieved with Brembo brakes. As a thank you, “The Doctor” received his special trophy on Friday from Brembo managers Mario Almondo and Mauro Piccoli.