Valentino Rossi’s famous 46 will no longer be used in MotoGP – The Italian is expected to attend the farewell ceremony at Mugello
Now that Valentino Rossi has retired at the end of the 2021 MotoGP season, only his famous race number 46 is to be retired as well. A ceremony to that effect is planned for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in a fortnight’ time, Dorna announced on Saturday.
“The number is synonymous with nine-time world champion and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi and will be said goodbye in style at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix,” the statement said. “The farewell ceremony will take place on the main straight on Saturday, just before qualifying.”
Rossi himself will be present at the ceremony. Yet the Italian had stressed in the past that he was not a fan of the idea that race number 46 may not be used by any other rider after his retirement.
Rossi actually wanted it to live on
“I have been thinking about the number. I don’t like the idea of 46 being blocked forever. I would prefer the number to continue to exist if other drivers want to use it,” he said in 2016.
However, the top 3 in qualifying at Le Mans can understand the decision to stop giving Rossi’s number. Although pole-sitter Francesco Bagnaia admits: “If we continue like this, at some point we won’t have any numbers to choose from. “
“But in a situation like this, I think it’s the right thing to do,” he continues. “I also believe that no one would have chosen to go with the 46 anyway.” After all, the iconic number will forever be associated with the Rossi name.
Jack Miller says: “It was inevitable and yes, kind of obvious to everyone. Of course, the number 46 can be withdrawn. It certainly won’t happen with my number. I can almost guarantee that. I am not Valentino Rossi. So I don’t have to worry about that. (laughs)”
And Aleix Espargaro insists: “The 46 has to be withdrawn. Absolutely. Hes the best in history. So that’s okay. But as Pecco said: For the young riders coming up, at some point it will become a nightmare if we keep withdrawing more and more numbers. “
These numbers have already been blocked
Blocking race numbers is something normally reserved for riders who have died – usually in the course of the sport. Over the years, for example, MotoGP has blocked Nicky Hayden’s 74 for other riders.
The first rider to have his number withdrawn was 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz. The American’s famous 34 was immobilised out of respect for his career and in recognition of his achievements when he retired. The same thing happened later with Loris Capirossi’s number 65.