MotoGP veteran Valentino Rossi explains in an interview why his career was actually supposed to start in a car and why he is making up for it right now
Even three years after his retirement from MotoGP, Valentino Rossi is still one of the most popular drivers, and not just because of his nine titles in the motorcycle world championship. However, if it had been up to the Italian and his family, his successful racing career on two wheels might not have happened at all.
Before the 45-year-old focused on motorcycles, he actually dreamt of getting into car racing. “Yes, my dream was to race in cars and to race in Formula 1,”
This was also because his father Graziano was a motorcycle racer. “His career was full of injuries and so he was afraid for me.”
“After he stopped racing motorcycles, he switched to cars, as I am doing now, and he got me started in karting because he thought it would be a little less dangerous in a car,” explains the MotoGP retiree.
Moving to Formula 1 was an option
So, while Graziano Rossi initially wanted to keep his son away from motorcycles, a passion for motorsport ultimately led young Rossi to MotoGP, where he had an unparalleled career, becoming a seven-time world champion in the premier class alone (3x Honda, 4x Yamaha).
Although Rossi has spent most of his career on two wheels, he has flirted with Formula One on several occasions. After testing for Ferrari, a move was seriously considered. But Rossi decided to stay in MotoGP.
“After the test with Ferrari, there was an opportunity to stop earlier and move into Formula One, but I decided to stay with the bikes and, frankly, it was the right decision. I knew I was still strong, whereas with the cars it would have been a leap in the dark.”
His interest in car racing remained, however, and he took every opportunity to try his hand at four-wheel motorsport. He competed in various rallies and quickly found out that he felt more comfortable on the racetrack.
Why Rossi left rallying
“Initially, I really wanted to do rallies, which is why I competed in two WRC rallies, with Subaru in New Zealand in 2006 and with Ford at the RAC in 2009. But I realized that rallies are different and that I’m better at circuit racing. I’m better at it, and it’s more like riding a motorcycle.”
In the years that followed, he competed in GT3 races, including the Kessel Racing Ferrari in the Blancpain series on tracks such as Monza and the Nürburgring.
“When I could, I competed in other events, for example the Gulf 12h in Abu Dhabi – to keep myself active,” says Rossi. But the official switch to car racing only came after a long and successful career on two wheels.
“I wanted to race in MotoGP for as long as possible because I didn’t want to stop while I was still strong. I’ve always had a passion for motorcycles, and I didn’t want to stop prematurely and later regret that I could have given more,” explains his late departure from MotoGP.
2025 back at MotoGP more often
After that, he knew that switching to cars was a natural next step. But despite his involvement in car racing, Rossi remains committed to his MotoGP history, particularly through the VR46 Academy, which promotes young talent and carries on his passion for motorsport.
“This year, I was sorry not to be at the races as often and to spend less time with our academy riders. In 2025, I want to be more present, so I’ll be competing in fewer races too,” the 45-year-old announces.
The VR46 Academy is a central part of his legacy in motorsport, and Rossi sees it as an opportunity to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. His influence extends well beyond his own active MotoGP career – and is now continuing on four wheels.