Editing Valentino Rossi

{{short description|Italian motorcycle racer (born 1979)}}
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{{Infobox motorcycle rider
| name                 = Valentino Rossi
| image                = Valentino Rossi 2017.jpg
| caption              = Rossi at the [[2017 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|2017 Aragon Grand Prix]]
| nationality          = Italian
| birth_date           = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1979|02|16}}
| birth_place          = [[Urbino]], Italy
| Bike number          = 46 (retired in honour in the [[MotoGP]] class)
| website              = {{URL|http://www.valentinorossi.com}}
| MotoGP Active years  = {{MGP|2000}}–{{MGP|2021|MotoGP}}
| MotoGP Manufacturers = [[Honda]] ({{MGP|2000}}–{{MGP|2003}})<br /> [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]] ({{MGP|2004}}–{{MGP|2010}}, {{MGP|2013|MotoGP}}–{{MGP|2021|MotoGP}})<br /> [[Ducati]] ({{MGP|2011}}–{{MGP|2012}})
| MotoGP Championships = 7 ({{MGP|2001}}, {{MGP|2002}}, {{MGP|2003}}, {{MGP|2004}}, {{MGP|2005}}, {{MGP|2008}}, {{MGP|2009}})
| MotoGP Last season   = 2021
| MotoGP Last position = 18th (44 pts)
| MotoGP Race Starts   = 372
| MotoGP Race Wins     = 89
| MotoGP Podiums       = 199
| MotoGP Poles         = 55
| MotoGP Fastest laps  = 76
| MotoGP Total Points  = 5415
| 250 Active years     = {{MGP|1998}}–{{MGP|1999}}
| 250 Championships    = 1 ({{MGP|1999}})
| 250 Manufacturers    = [[Aprilia]]
| 250 Race Starts      = 30
| 250 Race Wins        = 14
| 250 Podiums          = 21
| 250 Poles            = 5
| 250 Fastest laps     = 11
| 250 Total Points     = 510
| 250 Last season      = 1999
| 250 Last position    = 1st (309 pts)
| 125 Active years     = {{MGP|1996}}–{{MGP|1997}}
| 125 Championships    = 1 ({{MGP|1997}})
| 125 Manufacturers    = Aprilia
| 125 Race Starts      = 30
| 125 Race Wins        = 12
| 125 Podiums          = 15
| 125 Poles            = 5
| 125 Fastest laps     = 9
| 125 Total Points     = 432
| 125 Last season      = 1997
| 125 Last position    = 1st (321 pts)
| module1              = {{Infobox person|child=yes
| signature            = ValeYellow46 Signature.png
| signature_alt        = Valentino Rossi signature}}
| module2 = {{Infobox racing driver|embed=yes
| current series = [[GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup]]
| racing licence    = [[File:FIA Silver Driver.png|12px]] FIA Silver
| first year = [[2022 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup|2022]]
| current team = [[W Racing Team|Team WRT]]
| car number = 46
| former teams = 
| starts = 24
| wins = 2
| podiums = 5
| poles = 2
| fastest laps = 0
| last finish    = 8th in [[2024 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup|2024]]}}
| module3 = {{Infobox racing driver|embed=yes
| current series = [[GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup]]
| first year = [[2022 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup|2022]]
| current team = Team WRT
| car number = 46
| former teams = 
| starts = 11
| wins = 0
| podiums = 0
| poles = 0
| fastest laps = 0
| last finish    = 15th in [[2023 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup|2023]]}}
| module4 = {{Infobox racing driver| embed= yes 
| current series    = [[FIA World Endurance Championship]] 
| first year        = [[2024 FIA World Endurance Championship|2024]] 
| current team      = Team WRT
| years active      = 2024–present 
| car number        = 46
| former teams      =  
| starts            = 7
| championships     = 0 
| wins              = 0 
| podiums           = 2
| poles             = 1 
| fastest laps      = 0 
| best finish       = 2nd 
| year              = 2024
| last finish       =
| prev series = [[Monza Rally Show]]<br>[[World Rally Championship]]<br>[[Blancpain Endurance Series]]<br>[[Gulf 12 Hours]]<br>[[24H Series]]<br>[[Intercontinental GT Challenge]]<br>[[Le Mans Cup|Le Mans Cup – GT3]]
| prev series years = [[1998 Monza Rally Show|1998]]–[[2018 Monza Rally Show|2018]]<br>[[2002 World Rally Championship|2002]], [[2006 World Rally Championship|2006]], [[2008 World Rally Championship|2008]]<br>[[2012 Blancpain Endurance Series|2012]]<br>[[2019 Gulf 12 Hours|2019]]–[[2023 Gulf 12 Hours|2023]]<br>[[2023 24H GT Series|2023]]<br>[[2023 Intercontinental GT Challenge|2023]]<br>[[2023 Le Mans Cup|2023]]
| titles = Monza Rally Show
| title years = 2006–2007, 2012, 2015–2018}}
}}
{{Valentino Rossi series}}
'''Valentino Rossi''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɒ|s|i}} {{respell|ROSS|ee}}, {{IPA|it|valenˈtiːno ˈrossi|lang}}; 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.{{efn|Per several sources:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31964877/nine-moto-gp-champion-valentino-rossi-confirms-retirement |title=Moto GP great Valentino Rossi to retire at 42|date=5 August 2021|website=ESPN.com|access-date=4 August 2022|archive-date=3 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003212428/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31964877/nine-moto-gp-champion-valentino-rossi-confirms-retirement|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/modern/2021/11/is-rossi-the-greatest-of-all-time/ | title=Is Rossi the greatest of all time? &#124; GRR | access-date=4 August 2022 | archive-date=7 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007034531/https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/modern/2021/11/is-rossi-the-greatest-of-all-time/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/real-reason-why-valentino-rossi-greatest-motogp-racer-all-time |title=The real reason why Valentino Rossi is the greatest MotoGP racer of all-time|website=Visordown|date=12 November 2021 |access-date=4 August 2022|archive-date=18 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818072805/https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/real-reason-why-valentino-rossi-greatest-motogp-racer-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref>}} He is also the only road racer to have competed in 400 or more Grands Prix.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/50165800 |title=Valentino Rossi: Italian says racing in 400th MotoGP is 'great achievement'|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 October 2019|access-date=26 October 2019|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307235940/https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/50165800|url-status=live}}</ref> Of Rossi's nine Grand Prix World Championships, seven were in the premier [[List of 500cc/MotoGP World Riders' Champions|500cc/MotoGP class]]. He holds the record for most premier class victories and podiums, with 89 victories and 199 podiums to his name. He won premier class World Championships with both Honda and Yamaha. He rode with the number 46 for his entire career.

After graduating to the premier class in 2000, Rossi won the final 500cc World Championship (becoming the last satellite rider to win the top-class title until [[Jorge Martín]] in 2024) and the [[Suzuka 8 Hours]] race with Honda in 2001. He also won MotoGP World Championships with the factory [[Repsol Honda]] team in 2002 and 2003 and continued his run of back-to-back championships by winning the 2004 and 2005 titles after leaving Honda to join Yamaha. He lost the 2006 title with a crash in the final round at Valencia. In 2007, he ultimately finished third overall, before regaining the title in 2008 and retaining it in 2009.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8324552.stm Cool Rossi crowned world champion] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028033143/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8324552.stm|date=28 October 2009}}, BBC News.</ref> After a 2010 season marred by a broken leg and no title defense, he left Yamaha to join the [[Ducati Corse|Ducati]] factory team, replacing [[Casey Stoner]] for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and endured two winless seasons with the Italian marque.<ref name="Rossi11">{{cite news|url=http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/news/newsdetail.jsp?Component=tcm:78-383391&PageTitle=Yamaha%20and%20Valentino%20to%20part%20company%20at%20end%20of%202010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819072352/http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/news/newsdetail.jsp?Component=tcm:78-383391&PageTitle=Yamaha%20and%20Valentino%20to%20part%20company%20at%20end%20of%202010|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 August 2010 |title=Yamaha and Valentino to part company at end of 2010|work=Yamaha Motor Racing|publisher=Yamaha Motor Company|date=15 August 2010|access-date=15 August 2010}}</ref><ref name="Ducati11">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8886198.stm |title=Valentino Rossi to leave Yamaha for Ducati in 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2010|access-date=15 August 2010|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902192609/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8886198.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi returned to Yamaha in 2013 and finished fourth in the standings followed by three successive runner-up positions in 2014, 2015 and 2016. His best chance of winning a tenth title came in 2015, where he led the standings for most of the season, finishing five points behind team-mate [[Jorge Lorenzo]], the eventual champion. 2017 was the final season in which he achieved over 200 championship points, and he won his final race victory in the [[2017 Dutch TT]] at the age of 38. After three winless seasons with the Yamaha factory team, he moved to [[Sepang Racing Team|Petronas SRT]] for 2021, retiring after only one season with the satellite Yamaha team and failing to achieve a podium for the first time in a career spanning 26 seasons in Grands Prix. The dominant force in MotoGP in the 2000s, all of Rossi's seven premier class titles came in this decade, including 77 race wins and 48 pole positions. In the ensuing 12 seasons, he managed 12 race wins and seven pole positions. During this period, Rossi was the 6th most successful rider in terms of total race victories.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/935159/1/best-2010s-motogp-s-superstars-decade |title=Best of 2010s: MotoGP's superstars of the decade|date=18 December 2019|website=Crash|access-date=29 September 2021|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929084731/https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/935159/1/best-2010s-motogp-s-superstars-decade|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi was inducted into the [[MotoGP Hall of Fame]] as an official Legend by the [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme|FIM]] at the awards ceremony after the conclusion of the 2021 season.<ref>[https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/11/14/valentino-rossi-named-motogp-legend/402124 Valentino Rossi named MotoGP™ Legend] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324002448/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/11/14/valentino-rossi-named-motogp-legend/402124 |date=24 March 2023 }} motoGP.com, 15 November 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021</ref> His #46 bike number was retired at the [[2022 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|2022 Italian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MotoGP officially retires Valentino Rossi's #46 at Mugello |url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/motogp-officially-retires-valentino-rossi-46-at-mugello/10312254/ |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=www.motorsport.com |date=28 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914193029/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/motogp-officially-retires-valentino-rossi-46-at-mugello/10312254/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rossi owns and manages the [[Sky Racing Team VR46|VR46 Racing Team]], which competes in MotoGP as of 2025.<ref name="motogp2">{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/05/valentino-rossi-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2021/383020 |title=Valentino Rossi to retire at the end of 2021|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=5 August 2021 |access-date=5 August 2021|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122045408/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/05/valentino-rossi-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2021/383020|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to his team management role, Rossi competes full-time in the FIA World Endurance Championship, driving for Team WRT,<ref name="BMWGT3Lineup">{{cite web|url=https://w-racingteam.com/news/detail/463/bmw-m-team-wrt-ready-for-exciting-hypercar-and-gt-challenges-in-2024 |title=BMW M Team WRT ready for exciting Hypercar and GT challenges in 2024|website=Team WRT|date=2 February 2024|access-date=2 February 2024|archive-date=14 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214021633/https://w-racingteam.com/news/detail/463/bmw-m-team-wrt-ready-for-exciting-hypercar-and-gt-challenges-in-2024|url-status=live}}</ref> in a [[BMW M4|BMW M4 GT3]], which also bears the now iconic number 46. 
{{TOClimit|4}}

==Career==
===Early career===
Rossi was born in [[Urbino]], in the [[Marche]] region of Italy.<ref name="MotoGP.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/profiles/Valentino+Rossi |title=Valentino Rossi |publisher=MotoGP |access-date=1 September 2008 |archive-date=24 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624095731/http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/profiles/Valentino+Rossi |url-status=dead}}</ref> While he was a child, his family moved to [[Tavullia]]. The son of former motorcycle racer [[Graziano Rossi]], he began riding at a very young age.<ref name="yamaha-racing1">{{cite web |url=http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/rider_team/rossi.jsp |title=MotoGP&nbsp;– Valentino Rossi |publisher=Yamaha Racing |date=16 February 1979 |access-date=1 March 2010 |archive-date=7 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707154107/http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/rider_team/rossi.jsp |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rossi began with [[kart racing]] rather than minimoto racing due to his mother, Stefania's, concern for her son's safety.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.serabutan.com/2020/02/antara-lorenzo-rossi-dan-motogp-2021.html |title=Jorge Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi and MotoGP 2021 |date=29 January 2020 |publisher=serabutan.com |access-date=1 February 2020 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217061721/https://www.serabutan.com/2020/02/antara-lorenzo-rossi-dan-motogp-2021.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rossi won the regional kart championship in 1990.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/rider_team/rossi.jsp# |title=MotoGP&nbsp;– Valentino Rossi |publisher=Yamaha Racing |date=16 February 1979 |access-date=1 March 2010 |archive-date=7 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707154107/http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/rider_team/rossi.jsp |url-status=dead }}</ref> After this, he took up [[minimoto]] and, before the end of 1991, had won numerous regional races.<ref name="yamaha-racing1"/>

Rossi continued to race karts and finished fifth at the national kart championships in [[Parma]]. Both he and his father thought about transitioning to the Italian 100cc series and the European series, which could have potentially directed him toward [[Formula One]]. However, the high costs associated with kart racing led them to choose to focus solely on racing minimotos.{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}} 

===Junior career===
In 1993, Rossi was given his first opportunity to ride a 125cc motorcycle by former world champion [[Paolo Pileri]], who had become a team manager after retiring from competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/moto/paolo-pileri-dies_sto1092073/story.shtml |title=Paolo Pileri Dies |work=eurosport.com |date=19 February 2007 |access-date=20 May 2021 }}</ref> Later in 1993, with help from his father, [[Virginio Ferrari]], Claudio Castiglioni, and [[Cagiva]] factory racing team manager [[Claudio Lusuardi]], Rossi competed in the 125&nbsp;cc Italian Sport Production Championship on a [[Cagiva Mito]] alongside teammate [[Vittoriano Guareschi]].<ref>''MCN Sport'', Winter 2010, p. 28, Bauer Automotive, Petersborough, Cambs. {{ISSN|1473-768X}}</ref> At his first race meeting with the Cagiva team, he damaged his motorcycle in a first-corner crash no more than a hundred meters from the pit lane.{{sfnp|Rossi|2006|p=93–94}} He finished ninth in that race weekend.{{sfnp|Rossi|2006|p=93–94}}

Although his performance during his first season in the Italian Sport Production Championship was varied, he achieved a pole position in the season's final race at [[Misano Circuit|Misano]], where he would ultimately finish on the podium. In his second season, Rossi was provided with a factory Mito by Lusuardi and won the Italian title.

In 1994, Rossi raced in the Italian 125 CC Championship with a prototype called Sandroni, using a Rotax engine. The bike was built by Guido Mancini, a former rider and mechanic who had worked, in the past, with [[Loris Capirossi]]. A documentary about Mancini entitled Il Mago Mancini was released in 2016 by director Jeffrey Zani and covers the relationship between Rossi and the mechanic. In 1995, Rossi switched to Aprilia and won the Italian 125 CC Championship. He was third in the European Championship.

===125cc World Championship===
[[File:Tavullia valentino rossi fanshop in.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Aprilia RS 125]] (left) and 250 (right) with which Rossi won the 125cc World Championship in 1997 and the 250cc World Championship in 1999]]
The [[1996 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1996 championship season]] saw the debut of Rossi, then 17, in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. He had some success in his first year, scoring consistent points in his races from Malaysia to Italy, retiring in both the French and Dutch rounds. He finished fifth in Germany, but suffered another retirement in the British round.

At the [[1996 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix|1996 Austrian Grand Prix]], Rossi achieved his first ever podium by finishing in third place after battling with [[Jorge Martínez (motorcyclist)|Jorge Martínez]].<ref name="auto">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ZWwcONWpZ0w Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160810103539/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWwcONWpZ0w&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWwcONWpZ0w |title=#RacingTogether: MotoGP™ comes back to Austria|date=10 August 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://www.mcnews.com.au/motogp-statistics-update-austria-2018/ |title=MotoGP Statistics update as Austria beckons round 11date=9 August 2018|website=Mcnews.com.au|date=9 August 2018|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127141535/http://www.mcnews.com.au/motogp-statistics-update-austria-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following race, the [[1996 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|1996 Czech Republic Grand Prix]], he achieved both his first ever [[pole position]] and his first ever race victory in the 125cc class. He rode an [[AGV (helmet manufacturer)|AGV]] Aprilia RS125R and won after another tussle with Jorge Martínez.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/08/18/20-years-and-counting-since-rossi-s-first-win/207734 |title=20 years and counting since Rossi's first win|website=Motogp.com|date=18 August 2016 |access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115151929/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/08/18/20-years-and-counting-since-rossi-s-first-win/207734|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi earned points at Imola but was forced to retire in both the Catalan and Rio rounds. He then scored points in the final round in Australia, ultimately finishing his first season in ninth place with 111 points.

In his second year, the [[1997 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1997 championship season]], he moved from the AGV team to the Nastro Azzurro Aprilia Team and went on to dominate the season. He took pole and the race win at the [[1997 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|1997 Malaysian Grand Prix]] but retired from the next race in Japan. In the next two races, he bounced back by winning the Spanish and Italian rounds. Rossi finished second in Austria, just 0.004 seconds behind winner [[Noboru Ueda]],<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> then scored a flurry of victories from France to Britain, including three pole positions in the Dutch, Imola and German rounds.

After third place in the Czech round, Rossi then gained two more wins in the Catalan and Indonesian races. He finished sixth in Australia. He won the 1997 125cc title, winning 11 of the 15 races with 321 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.visordown.com/features/general/valentino-rossi-his-first-world-championship-1997 |title=Valentino Rossi, his first World Championship in 1997 |first1=Ben |last1=Cope |date=30 July 2009 |website=Visordown |access-date=15 April 2019 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308171439/https://www.visordown.com/features/general/valentino-rossi-his-first-world-championship-1997 |url-status=live }}</ref> Throughout the season, he often celebrated in unusual ways such as dressing up as [[Robin Hood]], which earned him media attention.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/breaking-news/as-valentino-rossi-clocks-up-300-motogp-races-speed-looks-back-at-the-six-eras-of-his-storied-career/news-story/312bcb7a0cd9463f72d8caadb04ff2ee |title=The six eras of Valentino Rossi's career|date=29 May 2014|website=Foxpsorts.com.au}}</ref>

===250cc World Championship===
====1998 season====
After winning the 125cc title in 1997, Rossi moved up to the 250cc class the following year. In the 1998 season, the [[Aprilia RS250]] was reaching its pinnacle and had a team of riders in Rossi, Loris Capirossi and [[Tetsuya Harada]]. Rossi had to retire from the first two races in Japan and Malaysia. He then scored three consecutive second places in Spain, Italy, and France, but retired once more from the Madrid round.

He took his first 250cc victory at the [[1998 Dutch TT]], when he was more than 19 seconds ahead of second-placed [[Jürgen Fuchs (motorcyclist)|Jürgen Fuchs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtvdrenthe.nl/nieuws/110624/De-negen-TT-zeges-van-Valentino-Rossi |title=De negen TT-zeges van Valentino Rossi|website=RTV Drenthe|date=26 June 2016|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213144132/https://www.rtvdrenthe.nl/nieuws/110624/De-negen-TT-zeges-van-Valentino-Rossi|url-status=live}}</ref> He had to retire from the British Grand Prix but bounced back by achieving a podium place in Germany, finishing third.

In the Czech Republic, he crashed out of the race, but then enjoyed a series of victories from Imola to Argentina. He finished the season, as the championship runner-up with 201 points, just 23 points behind champion Loris Capirossi.

====1999 season====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 1999 Donington Park.jpg|thumb|Valentino Rossi in action at the [[1999 British motorcycle Grand Prix|1999 British Grand Prix]]. He would go on to win the race.]]
In the [[1999 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1999 season]], his second year in the 250cc class, Rossi became the sole rider of the official Aprilia Grand Prix Racing team, and dominated the championship. He btook pole position in Malaysia but finished fifth in the race. He gained further points in Japan and went on to win the third round in Spain. Rossi had his second pole position of the season in France, but retired from the race. He bounced back with back-to-back wins in Italy and Catalunya. He finished second at the Dutch round, narrowly losing out to Capirossi. He then won the next three races from the British to the Czech Grands Prix.

Rossi finished second in Imola, but was off the podium in eighth place at Valencia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/09/imolagprace/ |title=Criville Wins 500 GP at Imola; Capirossi First in 250 GP|date=5 September 1999|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082525/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/09/imolagprace/|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the season with three more wins: one in Australia, one in South Africa, and one in Rio de Janeiro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/phillipgpfin/ |title=Okada Wins 500 GP Race at Phillip Island, Australia; Rossi Takes 250 GP|date=3 October 1999|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082525/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/phillipgpfin/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/soagpfin/ |title=Biaggi (500cc) and Rossi (250cc) Win at South African GP|date=10 October 1999|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210832/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/soagpfin/|url-status=live}}</ref> After that, he finished third in Argentina despite starting in pole position.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/argengpfin/ |title=Roberts Wins 500 GP at Buenos Aires; 250 Race Goes to Jacque|date=31 October 1999|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082523/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/argengpfin/|url-status=live}}</ref> He clinched the title in Rio de Janeiro and finished the season with 309 points, his first 250cc world championship title and his second title overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/riogpfin/ |title=Abe Wins Rio 500 GP, While Criville Takes Championship; Rossi Both Race Winner and Champion in 250's|date=24 October 1999|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082523/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/1999/10/riogpfin/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===500cc World Championship===
====Honda (2000–2001)====
=====2000=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi and Jeremy McWilliams 2000 Donington Park.jpg|thumb|right|Valentino Rossi and [[Jeremy McWilliams]] in [[2000 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Donington Park]]]]
After achieving the 250cc World Championship in 1999, Rossi was given a seat with Honda in what was then the highest class in World Championship motorcycle racing, the 500cc. Retired five-time 500cc World Champion [[Mick Doohan]], who had also had Jeremy Burgess as chief engineer, worked with Rossi as his personal mentor in his first year with Honda.<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/motorsport/rossi-jumps-bikes-to-yamaha-20040201-gdx7zi.html |title=Rossi jumps bikes to Yamaha|date=1 February 2004|website=The Age|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=23 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123111532/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/motorsport/rossi-jumps-bikes-to-yamaha-20040201-gdx7zi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also the first time Rossi raced against [[Max Biaggi]].

Rossi started off his first year in the 500cc class with retirements in the first two rounds: he crashed out of the South African and Malaysian races.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/892489/1/rossi-i-thought-why-are-they-so-slow-and-crashed |title=Rossi: I thought 'why are they so slow?'… and crashed!|date=29 March 2018|website=Crash|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210727/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/892489/1/rossi-i-thought-why-are-they-so-slow-and-crashed|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/04/02april00gp/ |title=Roberts Victorious in Rain-Interrupted Malaysian 500 GP|date=2 April 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210733/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/04/02april00gp/|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored points in the third round in Japan and picked up two third-place finishes in Spain and France.<ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-4onkWrjLEU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200507105940/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4onkWrjLEU&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4onkWrjLEU |title=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=21 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/05/14may00gp/ |title=Defending 500 GP Champion Criville Victorious in French GP|date=14 May 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210725/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/05/14may00gp/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi picked up additional points in Italy and another third-place podium finish in the Catalan round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/06/11june00gp/ |title=Roberts (500) and Jacque (250) Victorious in Catalunya GP|date=11 June 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210805/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/06/11june00gp/|url-status=live}}</ref> He gained more points by finishing sixth in the [[2000 Dutch TT]].

Rossi's first 500cc victory came after a fierce battle with the [[Suzuki]] of [[Kenny Roberts Jr.]] and the Aprilia of Jeremy McWilliams. On a track that was affected by ever-changing weather conditions and despite only qualifying in seventh position on Saturday, the Italian chose the right tyers and stormed through the field to battle with Roberts Jr. and McWilliams and win his first race in the 500cc class.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/68847/1/rossi-wins-despite-mcwilliams-grit.html |title=Rossi wins despite McWilliams grit|date=9 July 2000|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716120811/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/68847/1/rossi-wins-despite-mcwilliams-grit.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/07/09july00fimgpfinal/ |title=Rossi (500) and Waldmann (250) Win Donnington GP|date=9 July 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210723/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/07/09july00fimgpfinal/|url-status=live}}</ref>
After his victory in [[Donington Park]], Rossi went on to score consecutive podium places in the next three races: two second-place finishes in Germany and the Czech Republic and one third-place finish in Portugal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/07/23july00finalgermangp/ |title=Barros (500) and Jacque (250) Take Victory in German GP|date=23 July 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210723/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/07/23july00finalgermangp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/08/20aug00finalbrnogp/ |title=Biaggi (500) and Nakano (250) Victorious in Brno GP|date=20 August 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210737/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/08/20aug00finalbrnogp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/09/03sept00finalestorilgp/ |title=McCoy (500) and Katoh (250) Victorious in Estoril GP|date=3 September 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210753/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/09/03sept00finalestorilgp/|url-status=live}}</ref> He retired from the [[Valencian Community]] round after a crash.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/09/17sept00finalvalenciagp/ |title=McCoy (500) and Nakano (250) Victorious in Valencia GP|date=17 September 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210805/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/09/17sept00finalvalenciagp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi won the Rio round, but Kenny Roberts Jr. who clinched the 2000 title after finishing in sixth position, which gave him an unassailable lead in the championship.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/68999/1/rossi-wins-but-kenny-conquers.html |title=Rossi wins but Kenny conquers|date=7 October 2000|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716122041/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/68999/1/rossi-wins-but-kenny-conquers.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/10/07oct00finalriogp/ |title=Roberts Clinches 500 Title; Rossi (500) and Katoh (250) Take Race Victory in Rio|date=7 October 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210743/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/10/07oct00finalriogp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/8YafMm8TxCk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180521205136/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YafMm8TxCk Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YafMm8TxCk |title=#RacingTogether: Roberts Jr. crowned champion in Rio|date=13 July 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After his second 500cc win, Rossi went on to finish second in the Pacific race and third in the Australian races.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/10/15oct00finalmotegigp/ |title=Roberts (500) and Katoh (250) Win in Motegi GP|date=15 October 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210723/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/10/15oct00finalmotegigp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/10/29oct00australiangpfinal/ |title=Biaggi (500) and Jacque (250) Win Final GP; Jacque 250 Champion|date=29 October 2000|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415210825/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2000/10/29oct00australiangpfinal/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sia_sk_K2q8| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101115349/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sia_sk_K2q8&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=1 January 2014 | url-status=dead |title=MotoGP™ Classics – Phillip Island 2000|date=1 January 2014|via=YouTube}}</ref> He finished second in his rookie season in the 500cc class with 209 points.

=====2001=====
[[File:Honda NSR500 2001.jpg|thumb|right|[[Honda NSR500]] used by Rossi in the {{MGP|2001}} season]]
Rossi dominated his second season in the 500cc class, scoring 11 wins and only finishing off the podium three times. He started the year off with a victory in [[2001 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]] after battling with Max Biaggi. He then achieved back-to-back poles and race wins in the South African and Spanish rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/04/08april01finalsuzukagp/ |title=Rossi (500) and Katoh (250) Take Suzuka GP|date=8 April 2001|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082526/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/04/08april01finalsuzukagp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/04/22april01finalsouthafricagp/ |title=Rossi (500) and Katoh (250) Take South African GP|date=22 April 2001|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082524/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/04/22april01finalsouthafricagp/|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the French race in third place but crashed out of the Italian round whilst leading the wet race after taking another pole on Saturday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/05/20may01finalfrancegp/ |title=Biaggi (500) and Katoh (250) Victorious in French GP|date=20 May 2001|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082540/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/05/20may01finalfrancegp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/06/03june01mugello/ |title=Barros (500) and Harada (250) Win Wet Mugello GP|date=3 June 2001|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082543/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/06/03june01mugello/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/06/02june01mugellogpqualifying/ |title=Rossi (500) and Harada (250) on Pole for Mugello GP|date=2 June 2001|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082600/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/06/02june01mugellogpqualifying/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi won from pole position at the following race in Catalunya, despite making a poor start and dropping to 15th place at the end of the first lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/06/17june01catalunyagp/ |title=Rossi (500) and Katoh (250) Victorious in Catalunya GP|date=17 June 2001|website=Motorcycledaily.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082542/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/06/17june01catalunyagp/|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored a second place after narrowly losing out on the race victory to Biaggi in the Dutch round. He followed this up with another win: this time the [[British Grand Prix|British GP]].

Rossi finished seventh in [[2001 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]] but then took back-to-back wins in the [[2001 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] (gaining a 29-point advantage over Biaggi) and [[2001 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/69865/1/rossi-to-sacrifice-gps-for-glory |title=Rossi to sacrifice GP's for glory?|date=5 September 2001|website=Crash|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019125809/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/69865/1/rossi-to-sacrifice-gps-for-glory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/69906/1/rossi-rules-in-estoril-biaggi-crashes-again |title=Rossi rules in Estoril – Biaggi crashes again|date=9 September 2001|website=Crash|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729124401/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/69906/1/rossi-rules-in-estoril-biaggi-crashes-again|url-status=live}}</ref> He had a disappointing result in the [[2001 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] round where he finished in 11th place, but then scored a string of race wins from the Pacific to the Rio rounds.

Rossi won his first 500cc title with 325 points and third title overall,<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/70088/1/valentino-rossi-500cc-world-champion.html |title=Valentino Rossi: 500cc World Champion|date=14 October 2001|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716110146/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/70088/1/valentino-rossi-500cc-world-champion.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 106 points ahead of Biaggi, who had been Rossi's main rival during the season. During the season, Rossi also teamed up with American rider [[Colin Edwards]] for the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race aboard a [[Honda RC51|Honda VTR1000SPW]], becoming the first Italian rider to win the race. The pair won the race despite Rossi's lack of experience racing [[superbike racing|superbikes]]. 

===MotoGP World Championship===
====Honda (2002–2003)====
=====2002=====
[[File:Motogp rossi 300.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi riding his Honda RC211V MotoGP bike]]
The inaugural year for the MotoGP bikes was 2002, and many riders experienced problems getting used to the new bikes. Rossi started the year off strong and won the first race in wet conditions in Japan, beating several local riders who were racing as wildcards.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70463/1/rossi-and-rcv-triumphant-at-suzuka.html |title=Rossi and RCV triumphant in Suzuka|date=7 April 2002|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716122351/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70463/1/rossi-and-rcv-triumphant-at-suzuka.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also took the pole position in the first five races.

Rossi finished second in South Africa, where his teammate [[Tohru Ukawa]] took his first and only victory in the MotoGP class. He then scored victories from the Spanish to the German rounds, including two pole positions in the Dutch and British GPs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70761/1/rain-hands-pole-to-rossi-in-qualifying-washout |title=Rain hands pole to Rossi in qualifying washout|date=28 June 2002|website=Crash|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124073432/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70761/1/rain-hands-pole-to-rossi-in-qualifying-washout|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70828/1/rossi-carries-on-regardless |title=Rossi carries on regardless|date=13 July 2002|website=Crash|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811182553/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70828/1/rossi-carries-on-regardless|url-status=live}}</ref> His only retirement of the season was from the [[2002 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] round. He then had back-to-back wins in [[2002 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] and [[2002 Rio de Janeiro motorcycle Grand Prix|Rio]], two second-place finishes in the [[2002 Pacific motorcycle Grand Prix|Pacific]] and [[2002 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]], another victory in [[2002 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]] and a second-place finish in the final race in the [[2002 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70966/1/biaggi-victorious-as-rossi-gets-tyred.html |title=Biaggi victorious as Rossi gets tyred|date=25 August 2002|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=22 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722103550/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/70966/1/biaggi-victorious-as-rossi-gets-tyred.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi went on to win eight of the first nine races of the season, eventually claiming 11 victories in total.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/71375/1/fantastic-fiftieth-for-island-winner-rossi.html |title=Fantastic fiftieth for Island winner Rossi|date=20 October 2002|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716105307/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/71375/1/fantastic-fiftieth-for-island-winner-rossi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He clinched his second title in the Rio de Janeiro race, his first in the inaugural class, and fourth title overall with four races remaining.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/71132/1/rossi-rides-the-storm-to-fourth-world-title.html |title=Rossi rides the storm to fourth world title|date=21 September 2002|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716102608/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/71132/1/rossi-rides-the-storm-to-fourth-world-title.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====2003=====
[[File:Honda RC211V 2003.jpg|thumb|right|[[Honda RC211V]] with a one-off livery used by Rossi during the {{MGP|2003}} season]]
After a strong 2002, Rossi continued to dominate in 2003 despite competition from emerging Spaniard [[Sete Gibernau]]. Rossi took pole and won the first round of the season in [[2003 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], but the race was marred by the death of Japanese rider [[Daijiro Kato]], who crashed in the 130R and hit the barrier at high speed in the ensuing Casio Triangle.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/71939/1/rossi-wins-at-suzuka-ducati-on-podium |title=Rossi wins in Suzuka, Ducati on podium|date=6 April 2003|website=Crash|access-date=18 August 2019|archive-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430085212/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/71939/1/rossi-wins-at-suzuka-ducati-on-podium|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/73588/1/kato-inquiry-racing-accident-barriers-to-blame |title=Kato inquiry: Racing accident, barriers to blame|date=28 November 2003|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082536/https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/73588/1/kato-inquiry-racing-accident-barriers-to-blame|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi finished second in the [[2003 South African motorcycle Grand Prix|South African]] round before winning again in [[2003 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], despite falling back to ninth place on the opening lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72162/1/rossi-wins-slide-spectacular |title=Rossi wins slide spectacular!|date=11 May 2003|website=Crash|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816134050/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72162/1/rossi-wins-slide-spectacular|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72176/1/rossi-jerez-is-always-a-dream |title=Rossi: Jerez is always a dream|date=12 May 2003|website=Crash|access-date=30 April 2019|archive-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430091111/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72176/1/rossi-jerez-is-always-a-dream|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi scored three pole positions in the next three races and finished second in [[2003 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]] after battling with Gibernau, who overtook him on the last lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72282/1/sete-storms-two-part-thriller |title=Sete storms two-part thriller|date=25 May 2003|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082532/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72282/1/sete-storms-two-part-thriller|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/uLV_5n89kbo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170325183119/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLV_5n89kbo Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLV_5n89kbo |title=MotoGP™ Classics – Le Mans 2003|date=28 February 2014 |via=YouTube |access-date=16 April 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He won in [[2003 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]] and came second again in [[2003 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72395/1/rossi-triumphs-in-all-italian-showdown |title=Rossi triumphs in all-Italian showdown|date=8 June 2003|website=Crash|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816134204/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72395/1/rossi-triumphs-in-all-italian-showdown|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72475/1/capirossi-crowned-king-of-catalunya |title=Capirossi crowned king of Catalunya|date=15 June 2003|website=Crash|access-date=19 August 2019|archive-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430091007/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72475/1/capirossi-crowned-king-of-catalunya|url-status=live}}</ref> He took two third-place finishes in the [[2003 Dutch TT|Dutch]] and [[2003 British motorcycle Grand Prix|British]] rounds – the latter the result of a ten-second penalty for overtaking under yellow flags, which gifted victory to Max Biaggi in the process – and another second place in [[2003 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], once again battling Gibernau who denied him victory with just 0.060 seconds separating both when they crossed the finish line after a titanic battle between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72713/1/biaggi-takes-win-after-rossi-penalised |title=Biaggi takes win after Rossi penalised|date=13 July 2003|website=Crash|access-date=19 August 2019|archive-date=19 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819133938/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72713/1/biaggi-takes-win-after-rossi-penalised|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/07/27/gibernau-defeats-rossi-in-sizzling-german-duel/135121 |title=Gibernau defeats Rossi in sizzling German duel|website=Motogp.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082524/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/07/27/gibernau-defeats-rossi-in-sizzling-german-duel/135121|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72823/1/gibernau-defeats-rossi-in-photo-finish |title=Gibernau defeats Rossi in photo finish|date=27 July 2003|website=Crash|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816134123/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/72823/1/gibernau-defeats-rossi-in-photo-finish|url-status=live}}</ref>

After Germany, Rossi won three more races and scored two more poles: a pole position converted into a victory came in the [[2003 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] where he battled with championship rival Gibernau once more, Rossi overtaking him on the final lap to take victory by just 0.042 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72936/1/rossi-wins-titanic-brno-battle.html |title=Rossi wins titanic Brno battle|date=17 August 2003|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715163807/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/72936/1/rossi-wins-titanic-brno-battle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A regular victory came in [[2003 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] and another pole-victory came in the [[2003 Rio de Janeiro motorcycle Grand Prix|Rio de Janeiro]] rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/09/19/rossi-scorches-to-new-pole-record-under-rio-sunshine/135304 |title=Rossi scorches to new pole record under Rio sunshine|website=motogp.com|access-date=17 August 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817132625/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/09/19/rossi-scorches-to-new-pole-record-under-rio-sunshine/135304|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-09-21/rossi-wins-again-in-brazil-stoner-second-in-125cc/1482042 |title=Rossi wins again in Brazil, Stoner second in 125cc|date=21 September 2003|website=ABC News|access-date=30 April 2019|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503164631/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-09-21/rossi-wins-again-in-brazil-stoner-second-in-125cc/1482042|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished second in the [[2003 Pacific motorcycle Grand Prix|Pacific]] GP after a mistake made him run off into the gravel and relegated him to ninth, which made it impossible for him to catch race winner Biaggi in the closing laps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/10/05/max-biaggi-takes-clinical-victory-at-dramatic-motegi-encounter/135370 |title=Max Biaggi takes clinical victory in dramatic Motegi encounter|website=motogp.com|access-date=30 April 2019|archive-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430085238/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/10/05/max-biaggi-takes-clinical-victory-at-dramatic-motegi-encounter/135370|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi ended his season by scoring three consecutive poles and race wins in the [[2003 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysian]], [[2003 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]] and [[2003 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] rounds. The Australian Grand Prix in [[Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit|Phillip Island]] is considered by many to be one of Rossi's greatest career moments due to the unique circumstances. Despite being given a ten-second penalty for overtaking [[Marco Melandri]] under yellow flags due to a crash by Ducati rider [[Troy Bayliss]], front runner Rossi was able to pull away from the rest of the field, finishing more than fifteen seconds ahead winning the race.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73394/1/rossi-wins-island-thriller-despite-penalty.html |title=Rossi wins Island thriller – despite penalty!|date=19 October 2003|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715165756/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73394/1/rossi-wins-island-thriller-despite-penalty.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/10/19/rossi-wins-dramatic-philip-island-encounter-despite-ten-second-penalty/135453 |title=Rossi wins dramatic Philip Island encounter despite ten second penalty|website=Motogp.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416074959/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/10/19/rossi-wins-dramatic-philip-island-encounter-despite-ten-second-penalty/135453|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi won the 2003 title in Malaysia, his third in the top class and fifth title overall, with two races remaining.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73302/1/vale-takes-victory-and-fifth-world-title.html |title=Vale takes victory and fifth world title|date=12 October 2003|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715160141/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73302/1/vale-takes-victory-and-fifth-world-title.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He won the final race in the Valencian Community round with a special livery, this race marking his final win for Honda.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73503/1/rossi-ends-season-with-valencia-victory.html |title=Rossi ends season with Valencia victory|date=2 November 2003|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715174616/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73503/1/rossi-ends-season-with-valencia-victory.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi parted ways with Honda at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/73520/1/rossi-leaves-honda |title=Rossi leaves Honda|date=3 November 2003|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416082537/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/73520/1/rossi-leaves-honda|url-status=live}}</ref> Mid-season rumours pointed towards a possible move to Ducati, which sent the Italian press into a frenzy; the concept of Rossi on the great Italian bike seemed too good to be true. Ducati did indeed try to get Rossi to ride their MotoGP bike, the [[Ducati Desmosedici|Desmosedici]], but for numerous reasons Rossi passed the offer up. Critics say that compared to the other manufacturers, Ducati had a significant way to go before being competitive even with Rossi at the helm. This proved to be the truth with Ducati's lacklustre performance in the 2004 season, which had actually been worse than their inaugural year in MotoGP in 2003. In his 2005 autobiography, ''What If I'd Never Tried It?'', Rossi offered another reason for choosing Yamaha over Ducati, saying that the mindset at Ducati Corse was similar to the one he was trying to escape from at Honda. Ultimately, Rossi signed a two-year contract with rivals Yamaha reportedly worth in excess of US$12 million; a price no other manufacturer, even Honda, was willing to pay.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-10-11/rossi-set-to-leave-honda/1491690 |title=Rossi set to leave Honda|date=11 October 2003|website=ABC News|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418112720/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-10-11/rossi-set-to-leave-honda/1491690|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/11/11/doohan-on-rossi-business-is-business/135556 |title=Doohan on Rossi: "Business is business"|website=motogp.com|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=17 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817195316/https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2003/11/11/doohan-on-rossi-business-is-business/135556|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Yamaha (2004–2010)====
=====2004=====
[[File:Yamaha YZR-M1 2004.jpg|thumb|[[Yamaha YZR-M1]] used by Rossi in the {{MGP|2004}} season]]
Rossi made the switch from Honda to Yamaha and signed a two-year contract with the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-joins-yamaha-in-2004/142045/ |title=Rossi joins Yamaha in 2004|website=Motorsport.com|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308191914/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-joins-yamaha-in-2004/142045/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/73561/1/rossi-joins-yamaha-have-your-say-the-response |title=Rossi joins Yamaha – Have your say... the response|date=15 November 2003|website=Crash|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227214620/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/73561/1/rossi-joins-yamaha-have-your-say-the-response|url-status=live}}</ref> Many doubted he would be competitive after this move and expected Biaggi, who joined the [[Pons Racing|Honda Pons]] team a year earlier, as well as Gibernau to be genuine contenders for the title.

With the traditional first venue of the season in [[Suzuka Circuit|Suzuka]] having been taken off the calendar due to safety concerns following the fatal accident of Daijiro Kato in 2003, the 2004 season started in [[Phakisa Freeway|Welkom]] in South Africa. Rossi took pole on Saturday and won the [[2004 South African motorcycle Grand Prix|South African]] race after a hard-fought battle with Max Biaggi, becoming the first ever rider to win consecutive races with different manufacturers, having won the final race of the previous season on his Honda bike.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73908/1/rossi-yamaha-and-motogp-win-in-africa.html |title=Rossi, Yamaha and MotoGP win in Africa|date=18 April 2004|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715181057/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73908/1/rossi-yamaha-and-motogp-win-in-africa.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/04/18/moto.safrica/ |title=CNN.com – Rossi celebrates a welcome victory – Apr 18, 2004|website=CNN|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416091732/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/04/18/moto.safrica/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/XLN7kfwhi5U Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200425184834/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLN7kfwhi5U&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLN7kfwhi5U |title=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=21 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Rossi took another pole in [[2004 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], but his fourth-place finish on Sunday saw the end of a 23-race podium streak.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73983/1/sete-shines-through-spanish-rain.html |title=Sete shines through Spanish rain|date=2 May 2004|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044412/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/73983/1/sete-shines-through-spanish-rain.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He once again missed out on the podium in [[2004 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]] but responded with three consecutive victories in [[2004 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], [[2004 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]] and the [[2004 Dutch TT|Netherlands]], a race that he won from pole after a hard-fought battle with Gibernau.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74131/1/rossi-wins-dramatic-italian-grand-prix |title=Rossi wins dramatic Italian Grand Prix|date=6 June 2004|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501084228/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74131/1/rossi-wins-dramatic-italian-grand-prix|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/06/06/motorcycling.italy/ |title=Rossi shrugs off rain for victory – Jun 6, 2004|website=CNN|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416091731/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/06/06/motorcycling.italy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74187/1/rossi-haunts-gibernau-at-home |title=Rossi haunts Gibernau in home|date=13 June 2004|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501084346/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74187/1/rossi-haunts-gibernau-at-home|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2004 Rio de Janeiro motorcycle Grand Prix|Rio de Janeiro]] race, Rossi lost the front of his M1 and slid into the gravel whilst battling with [[Makoto Tamada]], Max Biaggi, [[Nicky Hayden]] and [[Alex Barros]], forcing him to retire from the race.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74310/1/tamada-wins-wild-rio-gp.html |title=Tamada wins wild Rio GP!|date=4 July 2004|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044417/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74310/1/tamada-wins-wild-rio-gp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the Rio round, Rossi found himself off the podium once more in fourth place in the [[2004 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]] GP but bounced back by winning the [[2004 British motorcycle Grand Prix|British]] round from pole.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74381/1/biaggi-beats-barros-for-german-gp-victory |title=Biaggi beats Barros for German GP victory|date=18 July 2004|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501084227/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74381/1/biaggi-beats-barros-for-german-gp-victory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74452/1/rossi-wins-british-gp-edwards-on-podium |title=Rossi wins British GP, Edwards on podium|date=25 July 2004|website=Crash|access-date=17 August 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817132244/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74452/1/rossi-wins-british-gp-edwards-on-podium|url-status=live}}</ref> He then went on to finish second in the [[2004 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]], first in [[2004 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] and second once again in [[2004 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74526/1/gibernau-czechs-rivals-with-brno-victory |title=Gibernau Czechs rivals with Brno victory|date=22 August 2004|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501084228/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74526/1/gibernau-czechs-rivals-with-brno-victory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74692/1/tamada-wins-home-gp-rossis-rivals-falter |title=Tamada wins home GP, Rossi's rivals falter|date=19 September 2004|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501091919/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74692/1/tamada-wins-home-gp-rossis-rivals-falter|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the inaugural [[2004 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] round, Rossi was penalized and had to start from the back of the grid; he contested the penalty's legitimacy. Gibernau ultimately won the race, whilst Rossi crashed out of the race when he was in sixth position.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74764/1/gibernau-wins-dramatic-qatar-gp-rossi-falls.html |title=Gibernau wins dramatic Qatar GP, Rossi falls|date=2 October 2004|access-date=26 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044425/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74764/1/gibernau-wins-dramatic-qatar-gp-rossi-falls.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74801/1/rossi-gibernau-play-down-qatar-controversy |title=Rossi, Gibernau play down Qatar controversy|date=7 October 2004|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416091731/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74801/1/rossi-gibernau-play-down-qatar-controversy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/primi_piani/motori/2004/pp_1.0.531501425.shtml |title=Gazzetta dello Sport – Rossi furioso: "Una bastardata"|website=Gazzetta.it|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416091732/https://www.gazzetta.it/primi_piani/motori/2004/pp_1.0.531501425.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this second DNF of the season, Rossi won in the [[2004 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysian]], the [[2004 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]], and the [[2004 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] rounds, battling with the likes of Troy Bayliss, Nicky Hayden, Makoto Tamada and Max Biaggi to take nine victories on the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75025/1/rossi-wins-frantic-valencia-finale |title=Rossi wins frantic Valencia finale|date=31 October 2004|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501084356/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75025/1/rossi-wins-frantic-valencia-finale|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi finished first with 304 points to Gibernau's 257, with Max Biaggi third with 217 points. He clinched his third MotoGP, fourth top class and sixth overall championship in the penultimate race of the season, beating Gibernau by just 0.097 seconds to do so.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74919/1/rossi-wins-2004-world-championship.html |title=Rossi wins 2004 world championship!|date=17 October 2004|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715181109/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74919/1/rossi-wins-2004-world-championship.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====2005=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2005 Donington Park 7.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi in the [[2005 British motorcycle Grand Prix|2005 British Grand Prix]]]]
In 2005, Rossi and the Factory Yamaha team became even more dominant than the year before. Rossi won the first round in [[2005 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] in a controversial manner, colliding with the Gresini Honda of Sete Gibernau on the last lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75523/1/rossi-wins-after-last-turn-sete-take-out |title=Rossi wins after last turn Sete take-out!|date=10 April 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501154933/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75523/1/rossi-wins-after-last-turn-sete-take-out|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored a second-place finish in [[2005 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] but then went on to take five consecutive victories from the [[2005 Chinese motorcycle Grand Prix|Chinese]] to the [[2005 Dutch TT|Dutch]] rounds, including three pole positions in [[2005 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]], [[2005 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]] and [[TT Circuit Assen|Assen]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75690/1/rossi-surfs-to-shanghai-victory-jacque-second.html |title=Rossi surfs to Shanghai victory – Jacque second!|date=1 May 2005|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716121351/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75690/1/rossi-surfs-to-shanghai-victory-jacque-second.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75772/1/rossi-restrains-gibernau-for-le-mans-victory.html |title=Rossi restrains Gibernau for Le Mans victory|date=15 May 2005|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715154319/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/75772/1/rossi-restrains-gibernau-for-le-mans-victory.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/75865/1/rossi-beats-biaggi-in-breathtaking-home-duel |title=Rossi beats Biaggi in breathtaking home duel|date=5 June 2005|website=Crash|access-date=18 August 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416192946/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/75865/1/rossi-beats-biaggi-in-breathtaking-home-duel|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the first [[2005 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]] round since 1994, Rossi struggled and finished in third place whilst American rider Nicky Hayden won the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76104/1/faultless-hayden-wins-first-gp-home-gp |title=Faultless Hayden wins first GP, home GP!|date=10 July 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214185159/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76104/1/faultless-hayden-wins-first-gp-home-gp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/laguna-seca-2005-the-day-nicky-hayden-was-unbeatable-909464/909464/ |title=Laguna Seca 2005: The day Nicky Hayden was "unbeatable"|website=Motorsport.com|date=23 May 2017|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214185144/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/laguna-seca-2005-the-day-nicky-hayden-was-unbeatable-909464/909464/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/h7bzD-7Xm4Q Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130717165705/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7bzD-7Xm4Q&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7bzD-7Xm4Q |title=Remember MotoGP™ Laguna Seca 2005|date=17 July 2013|access-date=16 April 2019|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meosKxgJhVA| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330224326/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meosKxgJhVA&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=30 March 2013 | url-status=dead |title=MotoGP Classics – Laguna Seca 05'|date=28 March 2013|access-date=16 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> Rossi bounced back by picking up three more wins, starting from a pole-victory in a rainy Great Britain and two regular victories in [[2005 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], holding off Gibernau on the last lap, and the [[2005 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76202/1/rossi-wins-actionpacked-donington-rain-dance.html |title=Rossi wins action-packed Donington rain dance!|website=Crash.net|date=24 July 2005|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715180859/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76202/1/rossi-wins-actionpacked-donington-rain-dance.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76265/1/rossi-slays-hondas-for-sachsenring-win |title=Rossi slays Hondas for Sachsenring win|date=31 July 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501230350/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76265/1/rossi-slays-hondas-for-sachsenring-win|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76385/1/gibernau-powerless-as-rossi-wins-brno |title=Gibernau 'powerless' as Rossi wins Brno|date=28 August 2005|website=Crash|access-date=18 August 2019|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818112944/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76385/1/gibernau-powerless-as-rossi-wins-brno|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi crashed out of the [[2005 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japanese]] round when he collided with Marco Melandri during an overtaking attempt. This was the only time he failed to podium that season.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76474/1/capirossi-wins-motegi-rossi-torpedoes-melandri.html |title=Capirossi wins Motegi, Rossi torpedoes Melandri|date=18 September 2005|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=22 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722084846/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76474/1/capirossi-wins-motegi-rossi-torpedoes-melandri.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After [[Twin Ring Motegi|Motegi]], Rossi scored a podium in the form of second place in [[2005 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]] and back-to-back wins in [[2005 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] and [[2005 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]], beating Nicky Hayden for the victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76591/1/rossi-what-a-race |title=Rossi: What a race!|date=2 October 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501162459/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76591/1/rossi-what-a-race|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76659/1/rossi-thunders-to-victory-down-under |title=Rossi thunders to victory down under|date=16 October 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501154922/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76659/1/rossi-thunders-to-victory-down-under|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the season with a second and third-place finish in the inaugural [[2005 Turkish motorcycle Grand Prix|Turkish]] and the [[2005 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76723/1/magic-melandri-takes-first-win-in-turkey |title=Magic Melandri takes first win in Turkey|date=23 October 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416161656/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76723/1/magic-melandri-takes-first-win-in-turkey|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76804/1/melandri-wins-valencia-season-finale |title=Melandri wins Valencia season finale|date=6 November 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501154923/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76804/1/melandri-wins-valencia-season-finale|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi finished the season in first place with a total of 367 points, 147 points ahead of second-place finisher Marco Melandri and captured his fourth MotoGP, fifth top class and seventh overall championship in Sepang with four races remaining.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76531/1/capirossi-wins-rossi-crowned-2005-champion.html |title=Capirossi wins, Rossi crowned 2005 champion|date=25 September 2005|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715162611/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/76531/1/capirossi-wins-rossi-crowned-2005-champion.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76542/1/rossis-magnificent-seventh |title=Rossi's magnificent seventh|date=26 September 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424205528/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76542/1/rossis-magnificent-seventh|url-status=live}}</ref> He won 11 races including wins in three rain-affected races in Shanghai, Le Mans and Donington.

=====2006=====
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=vertical
|width1=250
|image1=Mugello 2006 Valentino Rossi.JPG
|image2=Valentino Rossi 2006 Philip Island.jpg
|width2=250
|footer=Rossi in the [[2006 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|2006 Italian]] and [[2006 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|2006 Australian Grand Prix]]
}}

The 2006 season started off with Rossi once again being the favourite to win the title. However, in the first round in [[2006 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], [[Toni Elías]] misjudged his braking point into a corner and hit the rear wheel of Rossi, who crashed into the gravel as a result. He rejoined the race but only managed to finish 14th.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77230/1/capirossi-beats-pedrosa-for-jerez-victory |title=Capirossi beats Pedrosa for Jerez victory|date=26 March 2006|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501205632/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77230/1/capirossi-beats-pedrosa-for-jerez-victory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/77247/1/pictures-rossis-first-turn-fall |title=PICTURES: Rossi's first turn fall|date=27 March 2006|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416161721/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/77247/1/pictures-rossis-first-turn-fall|url-status=live}}</ref> In the second race in [[2006 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]], he scored his first win of the season, but finished just off the podium in the third round in [[2006 Turkish motorcycle Grand Prix|Turkey]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77304/1/rossi-restores-order-with-close-qatar-win.html |title=Rossi restores order with close Qatar win|date=8 April 2006|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716120136/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77304/1/rossi-restores-order-with-close-qatar-win.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/77370/1/melandri-beats-stoner-in-turkish-thriller |title=Melandri beats Stoner in Turkish thriller|date=30 April 2006|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501205654/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/77370/1/melandri-beats-stoner-in-turkish-thriller|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the next round in [[2006 Chinese motorcycle Grand Prix|China]], Rossi was forced to retire after he moved up from thirteenth to fifth and was battling with Colin Edwards and [[John Hopkins (motorcyclist)|John Hopkins]] for third position. A chunk of rubber from his front tyre had been thrown onto his front fender, knocking it off the motorbike.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77442/1/pedrosa-wins-shanghai-showdown-rossi-retyres.html |title=Pedrosa wins Shanghai showdown, Rossi 'retyres'|date=14 May 2006|access-date=24 July 2015|archive-date=24 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724212307/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77442/1/pedrosa-wins-shanghai-showdown-rossi-retyres.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2006 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]], Rossi was leading comfortably in first place with a gap of over three seconds until his Yamaha had a mechanical problem on lap 21, forcing him to retire again. Rossi would leave Le Mans eighth in the standings with a 43-points deficit to Nicky Hayden.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77489/1/rossi-powerless-as-melandri-wins-le-mans.html |title=Rossi 'powerless' as Melandri wins Le Mans|date=21 May 2006|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716170815/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77489/1/rossi-powerless-as-melandri-wins-le-mans.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After these two disappointing races, Rossi bounced back by scoring two wins: a regular victory in Italy and a pole-victory in [[2006 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77564/1/rossi-strikes-back-with-home-mugello-win.html |title=Rossi strikes back with home Mugello win|date=4 June 2006|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716102430/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77564/1/rossi-strikes-back-with-home-mugello-win.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77633/1/rossi-wins-roberts-podiums-after-catalan-chaos.html |title=Rossi wins, Roberts podiums after Catalan chaos|date=18 June 2006|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716122324/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77633/1/rossi-wins-roberts-podiums-after-catalan-chaos.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2006 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round, he only finished eighth after he fractured his hand and ankle in a Thursday crash<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77684/1/hayden-wins-after-last-turn-assen-showdown |title=Hayden wins after last turn Assen showdown!|date=24 June 2006|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416161742/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77684/1/hayden-wins-after-last-turn-assen-showdown|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the disappointing result in Assen, Rossi took second place in [[2006 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]] and another win in [[2006 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], fighting tooth and nail with the three Hondas of Marco Melandri, Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77814/1/rossi-beats-hondas-for-incredible-sachsenring-win.html |title=Rossi beats Hondas for incredible Sachsenring win|date=16 July 2006|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044458/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77814/1/rossi-beats-hondas-for-incredible-sachsenring-win.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he retired once more in the [[2006 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]] round due to mechanical problems in the last few laps; Nicky Hayden won the race. This extended Hayden's lead over Rossi to 51 points and saw Rossi drop to fourth in the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/77860/1/hayden-claims-us-gp-repeat-rossi-disaster |title=Hayden claims US GP repeat, Rossi disaster|date=23 July 2006|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501231126/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/77860/1/hayden-claims-us-gp-repeat-rossi-disaster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/updated-nicky-hayden-wins-the-red-bull-us-grand-prix-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/ |title=Updated: Nicky Hayden Wins The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix In Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca|website=Roadracingworld.com|date=23 July 2006|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416161659/https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/updated-nicky-hayden-wins-the-red-bull-us-grand-prix-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Going into round 12 in the [[2006 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]], Rossi picked up a pole and a second place, and then won the next round in [[2006 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78043/1/rossi-wins-sepang-after-capirossi-showdown.html |title=Rossi wins Sepang after Capirossi showdown|date=10 September 2006|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044502/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78043/1/rossi-wins-sepang-after-capirossi-showdown.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Hayden held the points lead throughout most of the season, but by now Rossi was slowly working his way up the points ladder. A third place in Australia and a further second position in [[2006 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]] saw the points lead of Hayden reduced from 51 points in Laguna Seca to 12 points in Motegi, with Rossi moving from fourth to second in the championship standings.<ref name="auto4">{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78085/1/melandri-wins-first-ever-bike-swap-motogp |title=Melandri wins first ever 'bike swap' MotoGP|date=17 September 2006|website=Crash|access-date=19 August 2019|archive-date=19 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819084417/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78085/1/melandri-wins-first-ever-bike-swap-motogp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78136/1/capirossi-conquers-motegi-rossi-ready-to-strike.html |title=Capirossi conquers Motegi, Rossi ready to strike|date=24 September 2006|access-date=24 July 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075026/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78136/1/capirossi-conquers-motegi-rossi-ready-to-strike.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Going into the penultimate round of the season in [[2006 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]], Rossi took pole position on Saturday. On Sunday, Hayden was taken out by his teammate Dani Pedrosa on lap 5, causing both riders to retire. On the last lap, Toni Elías who was in third place, overtook both Kenny Roberts Jr. and Rossi to take the lead. Rossi eventually got back in front, but Elías shot past him in the final corner and won the race with a minuscule 0.002 second advantage over Rossi.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78218/1/elias-wins-repsol-horror-hands-rossi-title-lead.html |title=Elias wins, Repsol horror hands Rossi title lead|date=15 October 2006|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716121423/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78218/1/elias-wins-repsol-horror-hands-rossi-title-lead.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/152603/1/flashback-estoril-2006 |title=FLASHBACK: Estoril 2006|date=24 September 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416161700/https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/152603/1/flashback-estoril-2006|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to Rossi taking the points lead by 8 points going into the last round of the year.

In the final race of the season, the [[2006 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] round, Rossi needed to finish in second place or higher to win the title. He took the second consecutive pole position on Saturday whilst Hayden could only qualify fifth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78287/1/rossi-on-target-hayden-all-or-nothing |title=Rossi on target, Hayden 'all or nothing'|date=28 October 2006|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501205549/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78287/1/rossi-on-target-hayden-all-or-nothing|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Rossi only managed to finish 13th after sliding off, ending the season on 247 points and losing the title to Nicky Hayden by just five points. The race was won by wildcard rider Troy Bayliss, who replaced the injured Sete Gibernau.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78294/1/bayliss-wins-rossi-falls-hayden-world-champion.html |title=Bayliss wins, Rossi falls, Hayden world champion!|date=29 October 2006|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715174619/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78294/1/bayliss-wins-rossi-falls-hayden-world-champion.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the race, Rossi called his fall "a disaster" but congratulated Nicky on his won title as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78311/1/rossi-a-disaster |title=Rossi: A disaster|date=30 October 2006|website=Crash|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501231205/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78311/1/rossi-a-disaster|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====2007=====
[[File:Valentino rossi.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi in the [[2007 Dutch TT]] with a special bike livery]]
After Rossi lost the title in 2006, he was still nontheless one of the favourites to win the championship in 2007. The engine capacity of the bikes was reduced from 990cc to 800cc for this season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/75860/1/motogp-800cc-from-2007 |title=MotoGP 800cc from 2007|date=5 June 2005|newspaper=Crash|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=15 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415132814/https://www.crash.net/motogp/feature/75860/1/motogp-800cc-from-2007|url-status=live}}</ref> In the season opener in [[2007 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]], Rossi took his first pole position of the year on Saturday but came second to Casey Stoner on the Ducati on Sunday, who had made the switch from the LCR Honda team to the Factory Ducati team.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78662/1/stoner-defeats-rossi-for-debut-victory.html |title=Stoner defeats Rossi for debut victory!|date=10 March 2007|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716110455/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78662/1/stoner-defeats-rossi-for-debut-victory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi then won the second race in [[2007 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] to bounce back.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78730/1/rossi-stamps-authority-with-spanish-gp-victory.html |title=Rossi stamps authority with Spanish GP victory|date=25 March 2007|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716103634/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78730/1/rossi-stamps-authority-with-spanish-gp-victory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2007 Turkish motorcycle Grand Prix|Turkey]], Rossi clinched another pole on Saturday but eventually finished way down in tenth position after running wide on the fast turn eleven when he pushed hard to break away on the opening lap. Rossi fought his way back to second, overtaking Loris Capirossi on lap nine, but lost positions quickly after the Michelin tyres started to fade and he suffered from a mysterious lack of speed, which allowed Toni Elías, Capirossi, John Hopkins, Marco Melandri and Alex Barros to overtake him within three laps. Stoner led every lap, won the race and gained a 10-point lead over Rossi in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78815/1/stoner-supreme-in-istanbul-stunner |title=Stoner supreme in Istanbul stunner|date=22 April 2007|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416191024/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78815/1/stoner-supreme-in-istanbul-stunner|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi, once again finding himself on the backfoot in the championship, responded in [[2007 Chinese motorcycle Grand Prix|China]] by setting another pole position on Saturday and finishing in second place after battling hard with Stoner. The Australian, who made good use of the straight line speed of the Ducati on the long straight, blasted past Rossi every time he got overtaken earlier on the circuit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78881/1/stoner-thwarts-rossi-for-shanghai-victory |title=Stoner thwarts Rossi for Shanghai victory|date=6 May 2007|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416190953/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/78881/1/stoner-thwarts-rossi-for-shanghai-victory|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2007 French motorcycle Grand Prix|French]] round, [[Chris Vermeulen]] on the Suzuki won a rain-affected race. Rossi initially started well and even overtook Stoner in the early part of the race to make a break but when the rain intensified, Rossi and his YZR-M1 struggled and were overtaken by Stoner, Randy de Puniet, [[Sylvain Guintoli]] and later also Nicky Hayden, Dani Pedrosa and [[Alex Hofmann]]. Rossi eventually finished in sixth whilst Stoner crossed the line in third, extending his championship lead by 21 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78940/1/vermeulen-victorious-in-le-mans-rain |title=Vermeulen victorious in Le Mans rain|date=20 May 2007|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416191044/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/78940/1/vermeulen-victorious-in-le-mans-rain|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[2007 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], he won his first race of the season and in round seven in [[2007 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], Rossi took his fourth and final pole of the season.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79016/1/rossi-strikes-back-with-sixth-home-win.html |title=Rossi strikes back with sixth home win|date=3 June 2007|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716122503/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79016/1/rossi-strikes-back-with-sixth-home-win.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motorcycling-catalunya-idUKL0927725320070609 |title=Rossi takes MotoGP pole in record time|newspaper=Reuters|date=9 June 2007}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79054/1/rossi-pips-de-puniet-for-catalan-pole |title=Rossi pips de Puniet for Catalan pole|date=9 June 2007|website=Crash|access-date=22 August 2020|archive-date=9 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909043003/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79054/1/rossi-pips-de-puniet-for-catalan-pole|url-status=live}}</ref> After a hard-fought battle with Stoner, Rossi finished second by just 0.069 seconds and lost out again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79065/1/stoner-stings-rossi-with-greatest-victory |title=Stoner stings Rossi with greatest victory|date=10 June 2007|website=Crash|access-date=22 August 2020|archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001082127/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79065/1/stoner-stings-rossi-with-greatest-victory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/updated-stoner-wins-his-fourth-motogp-race-of-the-season-at-catalunya/ |title=Updated: Stoner Wins His Fourth MotoGP Race Of The Season, In Catalunya|website=Roadracingworld.com|date=10 June 2007|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416190857/https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/updated-stoner-wins-his-fourth-motogp-race-of-the-season-at-catalunya/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/L4X4yvTHaRM Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140112004332/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4X4yvTHaRM&list=TLN0L67yAf5c4vP_bxM0bTMYTl44I1kpzt Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4X4yvTHaRM |title=MotoGP™ Classics – Barcelona-Catalunya 2007|date=10 January 2014|access-date=16 April 2019|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In [[2007 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]], Rossi finished just outside of the podium in fourth but bounced back in the Dutch round in great fashion by winning the race from eleventh on the grid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79141/1/stoner-storms-donington |title=Stoner storms Donington|date=24 June 2007|website=Crash|access-date=3 May 2019|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503200405/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79141/1/stoner-storms-donington|url-status=live}}</ref> He overtook many riders and eventually did the same to Stoner with four laps to go, building up a small gap he never gave away when crossing the line.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79207/1/rossi-hunts-down-stoner-at-assen.html |title=Rossi hunts down Stoner in Assen|date=30 June 2007|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715200214/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79207/1/rossi-hunts-down-stoner-at-assen.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u27jFAuY70A |title=Remember MotoGP™ Assen 2007|date=26 June 2013|access-date=16 April 2019|via=YouTube|archive-date=1 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301093234/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u27jFAuY70A|url-status=live}}</ref>

After Rossi's great win in Assen, bad luck struck when he crashed on lap five of the [[2007 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]] round and was forced to retire. He had made a poor start, dropping him from sixth to ninth on lap one, but was quick to regain two positions before struggling to pass Randy de Puniet for sixth place. When Rossi tried to squeeze his bike next to the Kawasaki of de Puniet, he lost the front of his M1 in low speed through a long right-hander and slid into the gravel.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79282/1/pedrosa-honda-demolish-drought-in-germany.html |title=Pedrosa, Honda demolish drought in Germany|date=15 July 2007|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=22 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722005440/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79282/1/pedrosa-honda-demolish-drought-in-germany.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi then picked up more points by finishing in fourth and seventh place in the [[2007 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]] and [[2007 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]], but by then Stoner had built up a 60-point gap over Rossi when they left round 12.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-19/stoner-wins-czech-motogp/644376 |title=Stoner wins Czech MotoGP|date=19 August 2007|website=ABC News|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419032142/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-19/stoner-wins-czech-motogp/644376|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi retired again in the new [[2007 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]] venue whilst Stoner took his eighth win of the season, extending his championship lead from 60 to 85 points.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79516/1/stoner-soars-to-misano-victory-rossi-stops.html |title=Stoner soars as Rossi stops in Misano.|date=2 September 2007|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716152935/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79516/1/stoner-soars-to-misano-victory-rossi-stops.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9faRVxYlEgs| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922061628/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9faRVxYlEgs| archive-date=22 September 2013 | url-status=dead |title=Remember MotoGP™ – Misano 2007|date=13 September 2013|access-date=16 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> In the next round in [[2007 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]], Rossi would win his final race of the season after a close fight with the Honda of Dani Pedrosa. Rossi worked his way up from fifth to third on the opening lap, overtaking Stoner on lap nine after Pedrosa did the same two laps earlier. He then overtook Pedrosa on lap ten and a fight commenced where Pedrosa re-overtook Rossi on lap 16, only taking the first spot back from the Spaniard with four laps left after he ran wide. Rossi made a similar error and Pedrosa retook the lead just half a lap later. Pedrosa was still narrowly ahead but Rossi was better on the brakes and plunged down the inside of the first corner in turn one. The move failed and he ran wide, but carried enough momentum to try the same move again a few corners later, this time succeeding. Rossi crossed the line 0.175 seconds ahead of Pedrosa to win his fourth race of the season.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79585/1/rossi-wins-as-racing-returns.html |title=Rossi wins as racing returns|date=16 September 2007|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716110452/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79585/1/rossi-wins-as-racing-returns.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2007 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japanese]] round, Rossi suffered from braking problems on his second bike after all riders were forced to swap bikes due to the drying track, finishing in 13th position. This was enough for Casey Stoner to become 2007 world champion after he finished the race in sixth position and gave him an unassailable lead in the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79637/1/stoner-wins-2007-motogp-world-championship |title=Stoner wins 2007 MotoGP World Championship!|date=23 September 2007|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416190857/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79637/1/stoner-wins-2007-motogp-world-championship|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi went on to take one last podium in [[2007 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]], finishing in third place, then picked up points in fifth position in the [[2007 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysian]] round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79730/1/stoner-flattens-phillip-island |title=Stoner flattens Phillip Island|date=14 October 2007|website=Crash|access-date=3 May 2019|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503180646/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79730/1/stoner-flattens-phillip-island|url-status=live}}</ref> In the last race of the season, the [[2007 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] race, Rossi started way back in 17th due to a fracture of three bones in his right hand after he fell during qualifying. He took 16th on lap seven and passed [[Shinya Nakano]] for 15th and thus the final point, but was forced to retire on lap 18 after his YZR-M1 suffered a technical problem, this marking his third DNF of the season.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79878/1/pedrosa-takes-home-valencia-glory.html |title=Pedrosa takes home Valencia glory|date=4 November 2007|access-date=4 November 2007|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715173840/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/79878/1/pedrosa-takes-home-valencia-glory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The race was won by Dani Pedrosa, with Casey Stoner about five seconds behind in second place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79880/1/pedrosa-this-is-fantastic |title=Pedrosa: This is fantastic!|date=4 November 2007|website=Crash.net|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416190857/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79880/1/pedrosa-this-is-fantastic|url-status=live}}</ref>

Stoner dominated the season, winning ten races to take his first title, 125 points clear of second place Dani Pedrosa. Rossi on the other hand, finished in third place with 241 points, six less than in 2006. This was Rossi's lowest championship position since his first season in 1996 in the 125cc. Pedrosa's win in the last race in Valencia combined with Rossi's retirement meant that he beat Rossi by a single point.

=====2008=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2008 Donington Park 3.jpg|thumb|Rossi in the [[2008 British motorcycle Grand Prix|2008 British Grand Prix]]]]
After two frustrating seasons where Rossi and Yamaha lost the title for two consecutive seasons to Nicky Hayden's Honda and Casey Stoner's Ducati, critics started to doubt if he was capable of ever winning another title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2007/10/29october07_rossi_rr1/ |title=Can Rossi Win Another Title . . . Or Is He Done?: MD Reader Responses – Part 1 « MotorcycleDaily.com – Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews|date=29 October 2007 |access-date=4 August 2022|archive-date=19 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319034234/https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2007/10/29october07_rossi_rr1/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2007/11/14november07_rossi_rr2/ |title=Can Rossi Win Another Title . . . Or Is He Done?: MD Reader Responses – Part 2 « MotorcycleDaily.com – Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews|date=14 November 2007 |access-date=22 August 2020|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330022854/https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2007/11/14november07_rossi_rr2/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some said he should retire, whilst others assumed that Casey Stoner would win his second title or that Dani Pedrosa would become a genuine title contender after his strong performances in 2006 and 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/2008/april/apr0108motogpvalentinorossiwaryofdanipedrosathreat-/ |title=MotoGP: Valentino Rossi wary of Dani Pedrosa threat|date=1 April 2008|website=Motorcycle News|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093900/https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/2008/april/apr0108motogpvalentinorossiwaryofdanipedrosathreat-/|url-status=live}}</ref> This was also the year he switched from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres, which Rossi claimed was needed to "boost his motivation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79879/1/official-rossi-to-bridgestone |title=Official: Rossi to Bridgestone|date=4 November 2007|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416191012/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/79879/1/official-rossi-to-bridgestone|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/64135/rossi-says-bridgestone-switch-was-needed |title=Rossi says Bridgestone switch was needed – MotoGP – Autosport|first=Michele Lostia and Pablo|last=Elizalde|website=Autosport.com|date=28 November 2007|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093901/https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/64135/rossi-says-bridgestone-switch-was-needed|url-status=live}}</ref> His new teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, did not opt for the change.

Rossi started the year with a fifth place in [[2008 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] whilst Stoner won the race, prompting some to already suggest that it would be more of the same like last year.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80277/1/stoner-fights-through-for-night-victory.html |title=Stoner fights through for night victory|date=9 March 2008|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716165137/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80277/1/stoner-fights-through-for-night-victory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Rossi fought back in [[2008 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] by finishing second whilst Stoner could only manage eleventh place. Rossi finished third in the [[2008 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portuguese]] round with his teammate Jorge Lorenzo winning after a late charge from Pedrosa was not enough to retake the lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/apr/14/motorsports.sport |title=Rookie Lorenzo rides to first win|first=Guy|last=Aspin|date=13 April 2008|website=The Guardian|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093900/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/apr/14/motorsports.sport|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/apr/14/motorsports.motogp |title=MotoGP: Thrilling Jorge Lorenzo maintains his upward trajectory in Estoril|first=Oliver|last=Irish|date=14 April 2008|website=The Guardian|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=28 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928005655/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/apr/14/motorsports.motogp|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the good performances in Spain and Portugal, Rossi scored three consecutive victories: two regular victories in [[2008 Chinese motorcycle Grand Prix|China]] and [[2008 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]] and a pole-victory in the [[2008 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italian]] round.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80519/1/rossi-smashes-losing-streak-in-shanghai.html |title=Rossi smashes losing streak in Shanghai|date=4 May 2008|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044536/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80519/1/rossi-smashes-losing-streak-in-shanghai.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80587/1/rossi-ties-nieto-in-dramatic-french-gp.html |title=Rossi ties Nieto in dramatic French GP|date=18 May 2008|access-date=26 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044539/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80587/1/rossi-ties-nieto-in-dramatic-french-gp.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80665/1/rossi-escapes-to-mugello-seventh-heaven.html |title=Rossi escapes to Mugello seventh heaven|date=1 June 2008|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715160152/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80665/1/rossi-escapes-to-mugello-seventh-heaven.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two more second-place finishes followed, one in [[2008 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]] and one in Great Britain.

Approaching round 9 of the season, the [[2008 Dutch TT|Dutch]] GP was not a success for Rossi. He came to Assen with an 11-point lead over runner-up Pedrosa but made a slow start from third on the grid, only to lose the back of his M1 machine on the entry of a tight left hand hairpin – his rear wheel sliding around and collecting Randy de Puniet's LCR Honda, taking him out in the process. Rossi remounted the bike and got going again but could only finish eleventh, handing the lead of the championship to Pedrosa by four points.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80898/1/stoner-wins-dutch-tt-rossi-falls.html |title=Stoner wins Dutch TT, Rossi falls|date=28 June 2008|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044543/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/80898/1/stoner-wins-dutch-tt-rossi-falls.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the disappointing result in Assen, Rossi retook the lead of the title hunt in a rain-affected [[2008 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]] round after Pedrosa crashed out of the wet track and Rossi came second, the race was won by Stoner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/80975/1/stoner-wins-german-gp-water-fight |title=Stoner wins German GP water fight|date=13 July 2008|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093909/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/80975/1/stoner-wins-german-gp-water-fight|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi then took a multitude of race wins from the [[2008 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]], where Rossi took the win after a hard battle and a pass down the "Corkscrew" corner over Stoner, who crashed a few laps later but continued and took second place, to [[2008 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], including a pole-victory in a rain-shortened race in [[2008 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi+stops+Stoner+for+first+Laguna+Seca+victory |title=Rossi stops Stoner for first Laguna Seca victory|date=20 July 2008|work=motogp.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=12 April 2010|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203214643/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi+stops+Stoner+for+first+Laguna+Seca+victory|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2008/july/14-20/jul2008-motogp-stoner-upset-aggresive-moves/ |title=Casey Stoner upset with aggressive Valentino Rossi|date=21 July 2008|work=Motor Cycle News|publisher=Bauer Media Group|first=Matthew|last=Birt|access-date=12 April 2010|archive-date=3 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703074811/http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2008/july/14-20/jul2008-motogp-stoner-upset-aggresive-moves/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.motorcycle.com/events/rossi-edges-stoner-at-laguna-seca-85417.html |title=Rossi edges Stoner in Laguna Seca|date=21 July 2008|work=Motorcycle.com|publisher=Verticalscope Inc|access-date=12 April 2010|archive-date=1 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501143107/http://www.motorcycle.com/events/rossi-edges-stoner-at-laguna-seca-85417.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY9mrKR5SkA |title=MotoGP Historic Battles – Rossi vs Stoner Laguna Seca 08'|date=14 February 2013|access-date=17 April 2019|via=YouTube|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414161839/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY9mrKR5SkA|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/81298/1/rossi-takes-red-flagged-indy-win.html.html |title=Rossi takes red flagged Indy win.|date=14 September 2008|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716121836/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/81298/1/rossi-takes-red-flagged-indy-win.html.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His wins in both Laguna Seca and Indianapolis also meant that Rossi had won in every circuit on the calendar in the time and his win in Motegi was his first MotoGP victory in the track, becoming the first Yamaha rider to win in the Honda-owned circuit.

Going into round 15 of the championship, Rossi needed to finish third or higher to win the title in Motegi. He started off poor, dropping from fourth to fifth on the grid but quickly made up ground by overtaking Jorge Lorenzo and Nicky Hayden on lap two before he hunted down his title rivals. When Stoner made the pass on Pedrosa on lap six, Rossi did the same and went after Stoner until he made the race winning move on lap 14 under braking. Rossi then pulled away from the Ducati rider to cross the line in first position and clinch his fifth MotoGP, sixth top class and eighth overall championship in Japan with three races remaining.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/81376/1/rossi-wins-motegi-2008-motogp-title.html |title=Rossi wins Motegi, 2008 MotoGP title|date=28 September 2008|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715173431/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/81376/1/rossi-wins-motegi-2008-motogp-title.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Lf0IZ_F5e-8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20131028233404/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=Lf0IZ_F5e-8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf0IZ_F5e-8 |title=Remember MotoGP™: Japan 2008|date=22 October 2013|access-date=17 April 2019|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On the podium, he wore a shirt with the text ''"Scusate il ritardo"'' ("Sorry for the delay") in Italian, emphasising his lack of titles in the last two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/motori/2008/09/28/parole_dopo_trionfo_rossi.html |title=Rossi dopo il trionfo: "Scusate il ritardo"|website=Sport.sky.it|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093902/https://sport.sky.it/motori/2008/09/28/parole_dopo_trionfo_rossi.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After Rossi wrapped up the title in Motegi with an unassailable lead of 92 points, he scored three more podiums: a second-place finish behind home hero Stoner in [[2008 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]], another win in [[2008 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]] and a third place in the [[2008 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/81436/1/stoner-wins-home-australian-gp |title=Stoner wins home Australian GP|date=5 October 2008|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417101911/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/81436/1/stoner-wins-home-australian-gp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/81516/1/rossi-stalks-pedrosa-for-sepang-victory |title=Rossi stalks Pedrosa for Sepang victory|date=19 October 2008|website=Crash|access-date=22 August 2020|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226063409/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/81516/1/rossi-stalks-pedrosa-for-sepang-victory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/sports/19iht-motogp19.17080009.html |title=Valentino Rossi wins Malaysian MotoGP|newspaper=The New York Times|date=19 October 2008|access-date=22 August 2020|archive-date=9 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909042927/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/sports/19iht-motogp19.17080009.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi finished first in the championship with 373 points, 93 points ahead of second place Casey Stoner.

=====2009=====
{{multiple image
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After the unexpected success and title of Rossi in 2008, many expected him to be a strong contender in 2009. Rossi took two consecutive second places: a regular podium in [[2009 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] and a pole-podium in [[2009 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], the race won by Rossi's teammate Jorge Lorenzo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/145300/1/stoner-contains-rossi-for-qatar-victory |title=Stoner contains Rossi for Qatar victory|date=13 April 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094012/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/145300/1/stoner-contains-rossi-for-qatar-victory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/145931/1/lorenzo-beats-rossi-for-motegi-victory |title=Lorenzo beats Rossi for Motegi victory|date=26 April 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093909/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/145931/1/lorenzo-beats-rossi-for-motegi-victory|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi's first victory of the year came in the third round in [[2009 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]]. Rossi started fourth, but overtook teammate Lorenzo for third on lap two, then made a second pass stick for second position on lap seven. Race leader Pedrosa was ahead with 1.4 seconds ahead of him by then, but Rossi stormed to the rear wheel of the Honda rider with eleven laps to go. He made the victory pass in the Nieto corner to take a lead of 2.7 seconds when crossing the line, taking the championship lead over from Stoner by eleven points in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/146265/1/valentino-rossi-fights-back-with-jerez-victory |title=Valentino Rossi fights back with Jerez victory|date=3 May 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094312/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/146265/1/valentino-rossi-fights-back-with-jerez-victory|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2009 French motorcycle Grand Prix|French]] GP turned out to be a disaster for Rossi. Jorge Lorenzo won the frantic wet/dry race whilst Rossi fell after a premature bike swap to slick tyres and also received a ride through penalty, ending up in sixteenth place and thus failed to score any points. This handed the championship lead to Rossi's teammate Lorenzo who now is ahead of both Rossi and Stoner by just one point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/146932/1/lorenzo-wins-french-gp-melandri-second |title=Lorenzo wins French GP, Melandri second!|date=17 May 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094345/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/146932/1/lorenzo-wins-french-gp-melandri-second|url-status=live}}</ref>

Things started to look better when Rossi registered a third position finish in [[2009 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], but lost his sequence of seven consecutive victories in the venue.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/147690/1/stoner-breaks-rossis-home-reign-at-mugello.html |title=Stoner wins Italian Grand Prix|date=31 May 2009|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715174313/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/147690/1/stoner-breaks-rossis-home-reign-at-mugello.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8075977.stm |title=Stoner triumphs in Mugello epic|date=31 May 2009|access-date=17 April 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-date=2 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602012928/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8075977.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/cfOawHtXmrU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210201195708/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfOawHtXmrU Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfOawHtXmrU |title=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=22 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After Mugello, Rossi took two more victories: a regular victory in [[2009 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], battling with Lorenzo throughout the race and overtaking him on the last corner of the last lap to win the race by just 0.095 seconds and a pole-victory in the [[2009 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/148356/1/lorenzo-outsmarted-by-braver-rossi.html |title=Lorenzo: Rossi more clever, or brave.|date=14 June 2009|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715175733/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/148356/1/lorenzo-outsmarted-by-braver-rossi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNJtvDTXTAc| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610132408/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNJtvDTXTAc| archive-date=10 June 2014 | url-status=dead |title=Remember MotoGP™ Catalunya 2009|date=12 June 2013|access-date=17 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>Archived in [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/iI0i_JhcXJk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200615031709/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI0i_JhcXJk&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI0i_JhcXJk |title=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=22 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This victory marked his 100th career win, becoming only the second rider in motorcycle grand prix history – after [[Giacomo Agostini]]&nbsp;– to reach 100 wins.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8122354.stm |title=Rossi earns 100th career victory|date=28 June 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2009|archive-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629012403/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8122354.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2009 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]] GP, Rossi finished a close second behind surprise race winner Dani Pedrosa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/149378/1/pedrosa-ends-honda-drought-with-us-gp-victory |title=Pedrosa ends Honda drought with US GP victory|date=5 July 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094334/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/149378/1/pedrosa-ends-honda-drought-with-us-gp-victory|url-status=live}}</ref> He then went on to score three more pole positions: a pole-win in the German round, fighting tooth and nail once more with his teammate Jorge Lorenzo with five laps to go. On the penultimate lap, Rossi retook the lead and held off the Spaniard to claim win by a margin of 0.099 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/150012/1/rossi-defeats-lorenzo-in-germany |title=Rossi defeats Lorenzo in Germany|date=19 July 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094406/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/150012/1/rossi-defeats-lorenzo-in-germany|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/150021/1/rossi-revels-in-great-sachsenring-glory.html |title=Rossi delighted with German win.|date=19 July 2009|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715161617/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/150021/1/rossi-revels-in-great-sachsenring-glory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This win gave Rossi a championship lead of 14 points over Lorenzo and a 28-point lead over Stoner. In the next race in [[2009 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]], Rossi started from pole but was demoted to third on the first lap. A five-strong lead group of Jorge Lorenzo, [[Andrea Dovizioso]], Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Toni Elías were battling for the lead when Elías was the first to fall on lap eight after he clipped a wet white line on the track, a similar mistake also led to Lorenzo's fall and retirement. This left Dovizioso and Rossi to battle it out, but as the rain intensified, so did their lead. Both were ahead with 13 seconds separating them and third place Randy de Puniet. However, it was not meant to be as Rossi spun out of the lead when the rear of his M1 span-out through the Fogarty Esses on lap 20, demoting him to eleventh and leaving Dovizioso almost ten seconds clear of de Puniet. Rossi climbed up to fifth on the last lap, overtaking home hero [[James Toseland]] in the final turn, but the race victory went to the Honda of Andrea Dovizioso for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/150379/1/dovizioso-takes-debut-victory-at-donington |title=Dovizioso takes debut victory in Donington|date=26 July 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094105/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/150379/1/dovizioso-takes-debut-victory-at-donington|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2009 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] round, Rossi took a commanding victory, crossing the line more than 11 seconds ahead of second place Pedrosa.

Rossi's only retirement in 2009 was in [[2009 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]] when he crashed out of the race after being overtaken by the eventual winner Lorenzo on lap ten. This win meant that Lorenzo had halved Rossi's title advantage to just 25 points with five rounds to go.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151672/1/lorenzo-its-like-schwantz-rainey-and-lawson |title=Lorenzo: It's like Schwantz, Rainey and Lawson|date=31 August 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094106/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151672/1/lorenzo-its-like-schwantz-rainey-and-lawson|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next race in [[2009 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]], Rossi responded by taking his sixth pole position of the year on Saturday and winning the race in his "home venue" ahead of Lorenzo on Sunday, extending his lead to 30 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151991/1/rossi-the-flying-donkey-of-misano |title=Rossi the 'flying donkey' of Misano|date=6 September 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093909/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/151991/1/rossi-the-flying-donkey-of-misano|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2009 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] however, it was Lorenzo who had the upper hand, winning the race with Rossi only able to finish fourth, reducing the championship lead from 30 to 18 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/153161/1/lorenzo-storms-to-estoril-victory-rossi-struggles |title=Lorenzo storms to Estoril victory, Rossi struggles|date=4 October 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094003/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/153161/1/lorenzo-storms-to-estoril-victory-rossi-struggles|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2009 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]] round, Rossi finished a close second to home hero Casey Stoner who won the race. Lorenzo crashed on the opening lap after running into Nicky Hayden's Honda, forcing him to retire. This widened the championship gap from 18 to 38 points with two rounds remaining.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.auto123.com/en/news/motogp-australia-casey-stoner-wins-jorge-lorenzo-crashes-valentino-rossi-pads-championship-lead/22960/ |title=MotoGP Australia – Casey Stoner wins, Jorge Lorenzo crashes, Valentino Rossi pads Championship lead – Car News – Auto123|website=auto123.com|date=19 October 2009|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417093900/https://www.auto123.com/en/news/motogp-australia-casey-stoner-wins-jorge-lorenzo-crashes-valentino-rossi-pads-championship-lead/22960/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the penultimate round in [[2009 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]], Rossi scored another pole position on Saturday and a podium in the form of third place in the wet track in Sepang on race day, behind Stoner and Pedrosa. This was enough for him to clinch his sixth MotoGP, seventh top class and ninth overall title over Jorge Lorenzo who started in the back of the grid and only managed to finish fourth, behind Rossi. This gave him an unassailable lead of 45 points over Lorenzo.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/153977/1/valentino-rossi-talks-nine-world-titles.html |title=Rossi celebrates latest world championship.|date=25 October 2009|access-date=25 October 2009|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715160145/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/153977/1/valentino-rossi-talks-nine-world-titles.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The final race of the season, the [[2009 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]], resulted in a final second place podium of the year for Rossi, behind Pedrosa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/154482/1/pedrosa-wins-valencia-motogp-finale |title=Pedrosa wins Valencia MotoGP finale|date=8 November 2009|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094013/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/154482/1/pedrosa-wins-valencia-motogp-finale|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi finished first in the championship with 306 points, 72 points ahead of second-place Jorge Lorenzo. Six wins was the lowest number of wins Rossi has had in a championship winning season; the previous minima were nine in 1999 in the 250cc class and 2003, 2004 and 2008 in MotoGP. Rossi also failed to win in Mugello for the first time since 2001.

On 8 June 2009, Rossi rode a Yamaha around the famous [[Snaefell Mountain Course]] in an exhibition lap in the [[2009 Isle of Man TT]] alongside Agostini, in what was called 'The Lap of the Gods'.<ref name="Belfast">{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/rossi-falls-in-love-with-isle-of-man-14331294.html |title=Rossi falls in love with Isle of Man|date=9 June 2009|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=7 July 2009|archive-date=29 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729142703/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/rossi-falls-in-love-with-isle-of-man-14331294.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This had been delayed by 48 hours due to bad weather. He also performed the garlanding ceremony for the [[2009 Isle of Man TT#2009 Superbike TT final standings|Superbike]] podium, bestowing the podium of [[John McGuinness (motorcycle racer)|John McGuinness]], [[Steve Plater]] and [[Guy Martin]].<ref name="Belfast"/>

=====2010=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2010 Qatar GP 2.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi celebrates victory in the [[2010 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|2010 Qatar Grand Prix]].]]
With two consecutive titles won, Rossi was once again the favourite to win the championship going into the 2010 season and this seemed even more likely after he topped all but one of the pre-season testing sessions over the winter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/157871/1/stoner-topples-rossi-as-2010-testing-ends |title=Stoner topples Rossi as 2010 testing ends|date=19 March 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142633/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/157871/1/stoner-topples-rossi-as-2010-testing-ends|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi started off the first few races well. He won the first race of the season in Qatar after early leader Casey Stoner crashed out, took third place in [[2010 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] even though he had an injured shoulder sustained from a motocross accident two weeks earlier – the race being won by his teammate Jorge Lorenzo after a last-lap pass in the Dry Sack corner on Honda's Dani Pedrosa – and a pole-podium in the form of a second place in [[2010 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]] where Lorenzo claimed back-to-back wins for the first time in his MotoGP career.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/158651/1/rossi-wins-qatar-thriller-stoner-falls.html |title=Rossi takes Qatar GP win|date=11 April 2010|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715161726/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/158651/1/rossi-wins-qatar-thriller-stoner-falls.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/159342/1/rossi-i-played-it-safe.html |title=Rossi: This just wasn't our race this year|date=3 May 2010|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002707/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/159342/1/rossi-i-played-it-safe.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159319/1/lorenzo-defeats-pedrosa-with-last-lap-jerez-win |title=Lorenzo defeats Pedrosa with last lap Jerez win|date=2 May 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142635/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159319/1/lorenzo-defeats-pedrosa-with-last-lap-jerez-win|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159972/1/lorenzo-breaks-rossi-for-le-mans-win.html |title=Lorenzo wins in Le Mans|date=23 May 2010|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042528/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159972/1/lorenzo-breaks-rossi-for-le-mans-win.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The injury Rossi had was not taken seriously initially and was expected to cure in a few weeks, but that did not turn out as expected and the ligament tear in his shoulder failed to heal sufficiently.

In round four in [[2010 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], things took a turn for the worse for Rossi. He highsided his YZR-M1 in one of the fast right-left combinations – the Biondetti corner – during the second free practice in around {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. He suffered a displaced compound fracture of his right [[tibia]]. This crushed any hopes of him winning the 2010 title, and after post-surgical care close to his home in the hospital in [[Cattolica]], it was clear that he was out of contention for the next two or three months.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8723843.stm |title=Valentino Rossi breaks leg in Italian MotoGP|date=5 June 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 June 2010|archive-date=3 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203023440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8723843.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/236693/doctors-tell-rossi-he-s-out-for-six-months/ |title=Doctors tell Rossi he's out for six months|date=11 June 2010|work=moto.gpupdate.net|publisher=GPUpdate|access-date=11 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613194739/http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/236693/doctors-tell-rossi-he-s-out-for-six-months/|archive-date=13 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/05/valentino-rossi-fractures-leg |title=Valentino Rossi fractures leg in practice for Italian grand prix|date=5 June 2010|website=The Guardian|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142630/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/05/valentino-rossi-fractures-leg|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first time that Rossi had missed a race in his Grand Prix career, and allowed his title rivals – Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Stoner – to gain points, podiums and wins while he was absent for the Italian, [[2010 British motorcycle Grand Prix|British]], [[2010 Dutch TT|Dutch]] and [[2010 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalan]] rounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84151 |title=Rossi sidelined with shin bone fracture|date=5 June 2010|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|access-date=7 June 2010|first1=Toby|last1=Moody|author-link=Toby Moody|first2=Matt|last2=Beer|archive-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608125209/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84151|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ahead of the British Grand Prix, [[Suzi Perry]] reported in her ''Daily Telegraph'' column that Rossi was planning on making a comeback in [[2010 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Brno]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/suziperry/7826605/MotoGP-Silverstone-preview.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/suziperry/7826605/MotoGP-Silverstone-preview.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Rossi to return in Czech Republic|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Suzi|last=Perry|author-link=Suzi Perry|date=18 June 2010|access-date=13 July 2010|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This was confirmed a week later by Rossi himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8765421.stm |title=Valentino Rossi optimistic on target date for return|date=26 June 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 July 2010}}</ref> On 7 July, Rossi rode in [[Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli|Misano]] on a [[Superbike World Championship]]-specification [[Yamaha YZF-R1]] provided by the Yamaha World Superbike Team to test his leg's recovery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Valentino+Rossi+test+ride+in+Misano+today |title=Valentino Rossi test ride in Misano today|date=7 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=7 July 2010|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203215648/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Valentino+Rossi+test+ride+in+Misano+today|url-status=dead}}</ref> He completed 26 laps during two runs, with a best lap time that was around two seconds off the pace of recent World Superbike times in the circuit. In the conclusion of the session, Rossi complained of discomfort, reporting pain in both his leg and his shoulder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85050 |title=Rossi still in pain in comeback test|first=Matt|last=Beer|date=7 July 2010|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=9 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709043546/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85050|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/valentino+rossi+completes+succesful+misano+outing |title=Valentino Rossi completes test in Misano|date=7 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=29 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229072945/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/valentino+rossi+completes+succesful+misano+outing|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 12 July, Rossi took part in another test in [[Masaryk Circuit|Brno]], after which Rossi stated he was happier and a lot more in form.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8795830.stm |title=Rossi eyeing German comeback|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 July 2010|access-date=13 July 2010|archive-date=31 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000355/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8795830.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

After an observation by the Chief Medical Officer on the Thursday before the German GP weekend and missing four rounds, Rossi returned in [[2010 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]] and remarkably finished just off the podium in fourth position after losing out to Casey Stoner on the final corner, starting fifth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161595/1/title-battle-reignited-as-rossi-returns-in-germany |title=Title battle reignited as Rossi returns in Germany|date=14 July 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142816/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161595/1/title-battle-reignited-as-rossi-returns-in-germany|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161682/1/rossi-loses-out-to-stoner-in-comeback-podium-battle.html |title='Fantastic' result for Rossi|date=19 July 2010|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716160958/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161682/1/rossi-loses-out-to-stoner-in-comeback-podium-battle.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/moto/pedrosa-wins-in-germany_sto2402304/story.shtml |title=Pedrosa wins in Germany|date=18 July 2010|website=Eurosport|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=31 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000356/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned two rounds earlier than predicted, and only 41 days after his accident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+return |title=Rossi is back!|date=15 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=15 July 2010|archive-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204002950/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+return|url-status=dead}}</ref> In round 9 of the season, held in the [[2010 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]], Rossi took his first podium since his broken leg seven weeks ago in Mugello, overtaking the Honda of Andrea Dovizioso in the process. The race was won by Lorenzo after Pedrosa crashed out of the lead.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161929/1/valentino-rossi-amazes-with-rehab-podium.html |title=Rossi celebrates podium return|date=25 July 2010|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002732/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161929/1/valentino-rossi-amazes-with-rehab-podium.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/161924/1/lorenzo-wins-us-gp-pedrosa-falls-from-lead |title=Lorenzo wins US GP, Pedrosa falls from lead|date=25 July 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142736/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/161924/1/lorenzo-wins-us-gp-pedrosa-falls-from-lead|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next two rounds, in the Czech Republic and [[2010 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]], Rossi scored lackluster results by finishing fifth and fourth.

In his "home race" in [[2010 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]], Rossi scored another third place behind race-winner Pedrosa and second-place Lorenzo. The race was marred by the death of the Japanese Moto2 rider [[Shoya Tomizawa]], who was hit in high speed by [[Alex de Angelis]] and [[Scott Redding]] after he fell in the fast right-hander of the Misano circuit on lap 12 and succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2010/09/05/shoya-tomizawa-killed-in-moto2-horror-crash-at-san-marino-gp-3435597/ |title=Shoya Tomizawa killed in Moto2 horror crash in San Marino GP|date=5 September 2010|website=Metro.co.uk|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142633/https://metro.co.uk/2010/09/05/shoya-tomizawa-killed-in-moto2-horror-crash-at-san-marino-gp-3435597/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the new venue in [[2010 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]], Rossi was again off the pace and finished in sixth position. He bounced back by scoring another third-place podium in [[2010 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], the race being moved from April to October due to the [[Air travel disruption after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption|disruption of air travel]] after the [[2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull|second eruption]] of the [[Eyjafjallajökull]] volcano in [[Iceland]]. Rossi battled with teammate Lorenzo for the bottom step of the podium during the race, which was won by Casey Stoner, but by now had a 69-point lead in the championship over second place Dani Pedrosa.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/9055324.stm |title=Stoner seals Japanese MotoGP win|date=3 October 2010|access-date=17 April 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142634/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/9055324.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[2010 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]], Rossi took a stunning victory by winning the race from eleventh position, battling with the Honda of Dovizioso for the win multiple times. Rossi had qualified sixth, but lost multiple positions in the first set of corners after a poor getaway. He overtook multiple riders, including Lorenzo, to fight for the lead with Dovizioso on a few occasions, but held on to finish ahead of him with just 0.224 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/164162/1/rossi-ends-losing-streak-at-sepang-lorenzo-champion.html |title=Rossi wins in Malaysia but Lorenzo is champion|date=10 October 2010|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715180342/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/164162/1/rossi-ends-losing-streak-at-sepang-lorenzo-champion.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was his first win since the accident in June, and his second win of the season. However, Lorenzo won the title, finishing in third place when he needed ninth or higher to win the title.

After his win in Malaysia, Rossi continued to impress by scoring a third place in [[2010 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]], a second place in [[2010 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] and a final third place in the [[2010 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] rounds.

Rossi finished third in the championship with 233 points, 150 points behind champion Jorge Lorenzo and 12 points behind runner-up Dani Pedrosa. Rossi collected ten podiums throughout the season, including five consecutive podiums in the season's final run.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/164850/1/final-2010-motogp-world-championship-standings.html |title=2010 MotoGP points standings|date=7 November 2010|access-date=7 November 2010|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715181121/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/164850/1/final-2010-motogp-world-championship-standings.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Ducati (2011–2012)====
=====2011=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2011 Estoril.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi in the [[2011 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|2011 Portuguese Grand Prix]]]]
On 15 August 2010, after the Brno race, Rossi confirmed he was going to ride for the Ducati factory team, signing a two-year deal starting in 2011 and joining former Honda racing teammate Nicky Hayden.<ref name="Rossi11"/><ref name="Ducati11"/> He tested the Ducati Desmosedici for the first time in [[Circuit Ricardo Tormo|Valencia]] on 9 November 2010, making this his first appearance since 1999 on an Italian motorcycle.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/November/nov0910-rossi-tenth/|first=Matthew|last=Birt |title=Valentino Rossi tenth on Ducati debut|work=Motorcycle News|publisher=Bauer Media Group|date=9 November 2010|access-date=9 November 2010|archive-date=13 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113024059/http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/MotoGP/2010/November/nov0910-rossi-tenth|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://onehd.com.au/onehd/newsarticles/Speed-Grand-Prix-New-start-for-Rossi-and-Ducati-TX-PAR-MII91.htm |title=New start for Rossi and Ducati|work=10 Bold|publisher=Ten Network Holdings|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=14 January 2011|access-date=14 January 2011|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017014823/http://onehd.com.au/onehd/newsarticles/Speed-Grand-Prix-New-start-for-Rossi-and-Ducati-TX-PAR-MII91.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rossi underwent surgery on his shoulder which he injured during the 2010 season in order to be ready for pre-season testing in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+on+surgery+in+cattolica|work=motogp.com|publisher=Dorna Sports |title=Rossi has shoulder operation|date=14 November 2010|access-date=14 March 2011|archive-date=14 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714121107/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+on+surgery+in+cattolica|url-status=dead}}</ref> After initial progress during the first test, the Ducati failed to meet the team's expectations in the second Malaysian test and left Rossi unsatisfied, having finished over 1.8 seconds behind Casey Stoner's pace-setting Honda.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/ducati+sepang+day3|work=motogp.com|publisher=Dorna Sports |title=Hayden and Rossi make final day advances|date=3 February 2011|access-date=14 March 2011|archive-date=14 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714121236/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/ducati+sepang+day3|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/rossi+not+satisfied+after+sepang+test|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714121253/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/rossi+not+satisfied+after+sepang+test|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2011|work=motogp.com|publisher=Dorna Sports |title=Rossi not satisfied with Sepang outcome|date=24 February 2011|access-date=14 March 2011}}</ref>

There was much anticipation for the first race of the season; Rossi on an Italian bike turned quite some heads, but he started the season on a disappointing note, only finishing seventh in [[2011 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/results/167571/1/qatar-motogp-race-results.html |title=Race results from the Qatar MotoGP, round 1 of the 2011 world championship.|date=20 March 2011|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715160148/http://www.crash.net/motogp/results/167571/1/qatar-motogp-race-results.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the second round in [[2011 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], he had moved up from twelfth on the grid to third when he collided with the Honda of Casey Stoner with 20 laps to go. As Rossi edged past on the inside of Stoner, his bike slipped from under him in the wet conditions, causing both riders to slide off the track. Rossi resumed and eventually finished fifth but Stoner retired from the race.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-04-04/lorenzo-wins-spanish-gp-after-stoner-crash/2630256 |title=Lorenzo wins Spanish GP after Stoner crash|date=4 April 2011|website=ABC News|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419044233/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-04-04/lorenzo-wins-spanish-gp-after-stoner-crash/2630256|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi later apologised for the incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/stoner+and+rossi+after+clashing+in+jerez |title=Stoner and Rossi's thoughts after clashing in Jerez|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=3 April 2011|access-date=27 October 2011|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203235003/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/stoner+and+rossi+after+clashing+in+jerez|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another fifth place followed in Portugal where he rose from ninth to fourth, battling with the Honda of Andrea Dovizioso who snatched fourth place from him in the line.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/168849/1/rossi-dovizioso-was-playing-with-me.html |title=Rossi beaten in the line by Dovizioso|date=2 May 2011|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002817/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/168849/1/rossi-dovizioso-was-playing-with-me.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi's best result of the year came in [[2011 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]], where he took his first and only podium of the season. He battled hard with the Yamaha of Jorge Lorenzo and the Honda of Andrea Dovizioso, overtaking both for fifth place, when Dani Pedrosa and [[Marco Simoncelli]] in the front collided. Pedrosa crashed and retired from the race while Simoncelli was given a ride-through penalty.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/169250/1/valentino-rossi-celebrates-first-ducati-podium.html |title=Rossi hails first Ducati podium|date=16 May 2011|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716112213/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/169250/1/valentino-rossi-celebrates-first-ducati-podium.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi then finished the next four races inside the top six; fifth in [[2011 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], sixth in [[2011 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]], fourth in the [[2011 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round and sixth again in [[2011 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/170677/1/rossi-finds-big-improvement-in-the-race.html |title=Rossi happy with Assen fourth|date=26 June 2011|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716162457/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/170677/1/rossi-finds-big-improvement-in-the-race.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In round nine in [[2011 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], Rossi disappointingly finished in ninth place.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/171313/1/depressing-race-for-ducati.html |title=Rossi: Still too far back|date=18 July 2011|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716153622/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/171313/1/depressing-race-for-ducati.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next two races in the [[2011 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]] and the [[2011 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]], he picked up two sixth places but once again scored a disappointing result when he crossed the line in tenth in [[2011 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]] after he encountered gearbox problems in the race. On lap nine, Rossi ran last and considered retiring, but climbed his way back up to tenth place in the end.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/171550/1/rossi-explains-sixth-at-us-grand-prix.html |title=Rossi analyses sixth in US GP|date=25 July 2011|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002841/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/171550/1/rossi-explains-sixth-at-us-grand-prix.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/172124/1/rossi-buoyed-by-minor-brno-breakthrough.html |title=Rossi encouraged by Brno performance|date=15 August 2011|access-date=26 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002849/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/172124/1/rossi-buoyed-by-minor-brno-breakthrough.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/172526/1/gearbox-woes-taunt-rossi-at-indy.html |title=Rossi recovers to tenth after gearbox problems|date=29 August 2011|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716112027/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/172526/1/gearbox-woes-taunt-rossi-at-indy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Poor results continued in his "home grand prix" in [[2011 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]] and [[2011 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] when Rossi only managed to finish seventh and tenth, battling with the Tech 3 Yamaha of [[Cal Crutchlow]] before he got the better of Rossi to cross the line 0.180 seconds ahead of him.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/172777/1/rossi-i-was-a-little-crazy.html |title=Rossi satisfied with seventh|date=5 September 2011|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716161449/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/172777/1/rossi-i-was-a-little-crazy.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/173164/1/crutchlow-wins-rossi-battle-during-his-ride-of-the-year.html |title=Crutchlow boosts confidence with Aragon ninth|date=19 September 2011|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002856/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/173164/1/crutchlow-wins-rossi-battle-during-his-ride-of-the-year.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi ended the year on a low. In the [[2011 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japanese]] round, he crashed out of the race on the first lap after a couple of corners. He collided with Jorge Lorenzo and [[Ben Spies]] and left Rossi with a blow to his finger.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/japan+motegi+ducati+race+rossi+hayden |title=Bad luck for Ducati in Motegi following a promising weekend|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=2 October 2011|access-date=27 October 2011|archive-date=9 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009013540/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/japan+motegi+ducati+race+rossi+hayden|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another retirement followed in [[2011 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]] when Rossi tried to overtake [[Álvaro Bautista]] for fifth on lap 14, lost the front of his Ducati and slid out of the race.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/174110/1/pics-valentino-rossi-crashes-out-in-australia.html |title=PICS: Rossi falls passing Bautista|date=17 October 2011|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716121003/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/174110/1/pics-valentino-rossi-crashes-out-in-australia.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[2011 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]], Rossi qualified ninth but was involved in a collision with Marco Simoncelli and Colin Edwards on the second lap of the race. Simoncelli fell while running fourth, landing in the path of Edwards and Rossi who both hit his Honda. Simoncelli's helmet also came off in the incident. The blow resulted in the Italian suffering critical injuries from which he later died in hospital.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motogp/15420069.stm |title=Marco Simoncelli dies after MotoGP crash in Sepang|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 October 2011|access-date=27 October 2011|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323210314/https://www.bbc.com/sport/motogp/15420069|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2011 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] race, Rossi retired in the first corner after Álvaro Bautista fell from his bike and took down Rossi, teammate Hayden and Randy de Puniet in the process.

Rossi finished seventh in the championship with 139 points, 211 points behind champion Casey Stoner.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/174679/1/rossi-simoncelli-end-season-tied-on-points.html |title=Rossi, Simoncelli finish 2011 tied on points|date=6 November 2011|access-date=6 November 2011|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715174344/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/174679/1/rossi-simoncelli-end-season-tied-on-points.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also finished a season winless for the first time in his Grand Prix career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23012012/58/lorenzo-rossi-fading.html |title=Lorenzo: Rossi not fading yet|work=Eurosport|publisher=TF1 Group|date=23 January 2012|access-date=13 June 2012|archive-date=27 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127162303/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23012012/58/lorenzo-rossi-fading.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====2012=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2012 Philip Island.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi in the [[2012 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|2012 Australian Grand Prix]]]]
After a frustrating first season with the Ducati, 2012 was a little better for Rossi. He started poorly in [[2012 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]], starting from twelfth and only mustered tenth in the line.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/178407/1/valentino-rossi-lashes-out-after-qatar-nightmare.html |title=Rossi losing patience after Qatar nightmare|date=10 April 2012|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716174349/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/178407/1/valentino-rossi-lashes-out-after-qatar-nightmare.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2012 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] and [[2012 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]], he finished in ninth and seventh positions, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/179400/1/valentino-rossi-i-managed-to-have-some-fun.html |title=Rossi: A better weekend|date=6 May 2012|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716175108/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/179400/1/valentino-rossi-i-managed-to-have-some-fun.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of his best results of the year came in the [[2012 French motorcycle Grand Prix|French]] round. He started from seventh on the grid but moved to fourth on the opening lap and overtook the fading Pedrosa for third on lap three. Rossi then was caught by the Tech 3 Yamaha's of Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso who battled with him over the bottom step of the podium from laps 4 to 18 until Crutchlow lost the front end of his M1 in the first corner. He remounted and continued the race as did Dovizioso, who suffered the same fate with four laps to go. After breaking free of both the Tech 3 riders, Rossi slashed the advantage Stoner had built up during the fighting and reeled him in over the remaining ten laps. On the penultimate lap, Rossi tried to overtake Stoner on the fast left-right combination in the beginning of the track but ran wide and Stoner retook the position. On the final lap, Rossi retried the move, this time successfully, and built a small gap over the remainder of the lap to cross the line in second place: the best finish Rossi has on a Ducati to date.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/179898/1/lorenzo-wins-wet-le-mans-rossi-second.html |title=Lorenzo storms to wet Le Mans win|date=20 May 2012|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716114719/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/179898/1/lorenzo-wins-wet-le-mans-rossi-second.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXjdMESA4w0 |title=Best Battles of 2012: Valentino Rossi vs Casey Stoner in Le Mans|date=20 January 2013|access-date=18 April 2019|via=YouTube|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412163734/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXjdMESA4w0|url-status=live}}</ref>

Over the next couple of races, the Ducati continued to perform poorly, allowing Rossi to score points only. He finished seventh in [[2012 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]] while in [[2012 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]], Rossi was fastest in the first free-practice session but finished the race in ninth. After a thirteenth-place finish in the [[2012 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round Rossi finished sixth in [[2012 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], his best dry result of the season so far.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/181759/1/rossi-dry-best-with-difficult-but-faster-setup.html |title=Rossi sixth and 'closer to Yamahas'|date=9 July 2012|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716155022/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/181759/1/rossi-dry-best-with-difficult-but-faster-setup.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2012 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], he improved upon his German result and finished fifth. His first and only DNF of the season came in the [[2012 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]] GP. Rossi was going to come home in eighth position when he fell in the corkscrew corner whilst trying to brake. He was also unhappy with the bike setup for the race, preventing him from riding quick enough all weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/motogp/news/hayden-sixth-at-home-race-crash-for-rossi-at-laguna-seca/2633252/?filters%5Barticle_type%5D%5B0%5D=6&nrt=112 |title=Hayden sixth in home race, crash for Rossi in Laguna Seca|website=us.motorsport.com|date=31 July 2012|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307225140/https://us.motorsport.com/motogp/news/hayden-sixth-at-home-race-crash-for-rossi-at-laguna-seca/2633252/?filters%5Barticle_type%5D%5B0%5D=6&nrt=112|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi finished seventh in the [[2012 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]] and [[2012 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] rounds.

Rossi equalled his best Ducati result in Le Mans by finishing second for the second consecutive time this season in [[2012 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/184052/1/valentino-rossi-no-second-thoughts.html |title=Rossi: The choice is done|date=17 September 2012|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085136/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/184052/1/valentino-rossi-no-second-thoughts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His Ducati bike got a new frame and swingarm, which improved the performance of the motorcycle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/183915/1/rossi-to-start-with-new-parts |title=Rossi to start with new parts|date=13 September 2012|website=Crash.net|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418084308/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/183915/1/rossi-to-start-with-new-parts|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi ended his final year with Ducati with lackluster performances. In [[2012 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] he finished eighth, in [[2012 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]] seventh, in the [[2012 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysian]] round fifth, in Australia seventh again and in the [[2012 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] round tenth.

Rossi finished sixth in the championship with 163 points, 187 points behind champion Jorge Lorenzo.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/186013/1/rossi-lapped-as-ducati-era-draws-to-an-end.html |title=Tough finale as Rossi bids farewell to Ducati|date=12 November 2012|access-date=12 November 2012|archive-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104215545/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/186013/1/rossi-lapped-as-ducati-era-draws-to-an-end.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Return to Yamaha (2013–2020)====
=====2013=====
[[File:2013 - Le Mans - MotoGP 02 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Rossi with Cal Crutchlow in the [[2013 French motorcycle Grand Prix|2013 French Grand Prix]], where he finished 12th]]
On 10 August, it was confirmed that Rossi was going to leave the factory Ducati team in the end of the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Ducati+Rossi+split |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405045030/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Ducati+Rossi+split |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2014 |title=Ducati and Rossi to part ways in the end of 2012|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=10 August 2012|access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> Later that day, it was also announced that Rossi were to rejoin the Yamaha factory team until the end of the 2014 season, resuming his partnership with Jorge Lorenzo.<ref name=backtoyam>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Rossi+back+to+Yamaha |title=Rossi heads back to Yamaha for 2013 on two-year contract|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=10 August 2012|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-date=11 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911002010/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Rossi+back+to+Yamaha|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rossi was reacquainted with the Yamaha when he tested the bike over 13–14 November 2012 in a post-season test in [[Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencia]].<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/186055/1/pics-valentino-rossi-returns-to-yamaha.html |title=PICS: Valentino Rossi returns to Yamaha|date=13 November 2012|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716180733/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/186055/1/pics-valentino-rossi-returns-to-yamaha.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, rain prevented him from posting an accurate lap time until he tested the 2013 machine later on 5–7 February 2013 in [[Sepang International Circuit|Sepang]], where he posted the third-fastest time of 2:00.542 out of 28 riders. He clocked 0.442 seconds off from pace-setter Dani Pedrosa and just 0.113 seconds off teammate Jorge Lorenzo.

He kicked off the season well. In the opening round in [[2013 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] he had a competitive pace all weekend but lost out badly with the new qualifying format, demoting him to seventh place on race day. He quickly fought himself back to fourth on the opening lap, but ran wide when he tried to overtake Ducati replacement rider Andrea Dovizioso, once again dropping him back to seventh place. His podium chances continued to worsen when he got stuck behind [[Stefan Bradl]] but once he passed him, he defied the odds by bridging a three-second gap to Cal Crutchlow, Dani Pedrosa and rookie [[Marc Márquez]] who were fighting for second place. Rossi passed both Crutchlow and Pedrosa, but Márquez' aggressive riding style and determination led to a battle between the two. Márquez overtook Rossi on the penultimate lap, with Rossi repassing him on the final lap to stay in front and cross the line ahead of the Spanish rookie with 0.211 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/189587/1/qatar-motogp-rossi-dazzles-on-yamaha-return.html |title=Rossi revels in comeback podium|date=8 April 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716115720/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/189587/1/qatar-motogp-rossi-dazzles-on-yamaha-return.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next two races in the [[2013 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas|Americas]] and [[2013 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], Rossi finished in sixth and fourth position.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/190179/1/austin-motogp-rossi-defensive-sixth-lost-part-of-a-disc.html |title=Rossi defensive sixth, 'lost part of a disc'|date=22 April 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716175432/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/190179/1/austin-motogp-rossi-defensive-sixth-lost-part-of-a-disc.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/190802/1/motogp-jerez-rossi-expected-to-be-faster.html |title=Rossi unable to match pace of leading trio in Jerez|date=5 May 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716175824/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/190802/1/motogp-jerez-rossi-expected-to-be-faster.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the French round, he finished a disappointing twelfth. He started the race from eighth on the grid and moved up to third to grab another podium but lost the position to Cal Crutchlow and then slid out of contention with ten laps to go. Rossi continued to finish in twelfth position, albeit on a damaged bike and hampered by a misting visor.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/191387/1/le-mans-valentino-rossi-a-good-result-thrown-away.html |title=Rossi sees podium chance slide away|date=20 May 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716181603/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/191387/1/le-mans-valentino-rossi-a-good-result-thrown-away.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In round five, the [[2013 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italian Grand Prix]], Rossi registered his only retirement of the year. He was involved in a first-lap collision with the Gresini Honda of Álvaro Bautista in the left-right chicane which forms turns two and three. Rossi rode around the outside of Bautista, but he failed to notice Rossi and clipped his bike on the approach to the right-hander, making him fall and collecting Rossi in the process.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/191895/1/mugello-motogp-rossi-bautista-clash-declared-racing-incident.html |title=Rossi, Bautista clash declared 'racing incident'|date=2 June 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716175220/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/191895/1/mugello-motogp-rossi-bautista-clash-declared-racing-incident.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2013 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], Rossi finished just off the podium for the second consecutive time by finishing fourth after starting from seventh on the grid.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/192433/1/rossi-and-yamaha-growing-up-every-race.html |title=Rossi: We are growing up every race|date=16 June 2013|access-date=24 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723232301/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/192433/1/rossi-and-yamaha-growing-up-every-race.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 29 June 2013 in the [[2013 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round, Rossi recorded his first MotoGP win since Malaysia in 2010 – a 46-race winless streak. He started from fourth on the grid but overtook the Honda of Dani Pedrosa for the lead on lap six, a lead he held to the line despite a late charge by the other Honda of Márquez, who crossed the line 2.170 seconds behind the Italian.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/192955/1/imperious-valentino-rossi-dominates-dutch-motogp.html |title=Dutch MotoGP: Imperious Valentino Rossi dominates in Assen|date=29 June 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716105352/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/192955/1/imperious-valentino-rossi-dominates-dutch-motogp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After his first win of the season in Assen, Rossi continued to score good results by scoring two more podiums in the form of third places in the [[2013 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]]<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/193520/1/rossi-i-must-go-faster-if-i-want-to-fight-for-title.html |title=German MotoGP: Rossi: I must go faster if I want to fight for title|date=15 July 2013|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716175429/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/193520/1/rossi-i-must-go-faster-if-i-want-to-fight-for-title.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[2013 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]], in which Márquez overtook Rossi in the corkscrew corner in similar fashion to what Rossi did to Casey Stoner in 2008 to win the race.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/193775/1/rossi-happy-with-third-consecutive-podium.html |title=US MotoGP: Rossi happy with third consecutive podium|date=22 July 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716121032/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/193775/1/rossi-happy-with-third-consecutive-podium.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

From [[2013 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]] to [[2013 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]], Rossi scored four consecutive fourth places before scoring yet another third-place podium in [[2013 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] after a three-way battle for the spot with Álvaro Bautista, Stefan Bradl and Cal Crutchlow.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/196369/1/rossi-hails-positive-podium-return.html |title=Aragon MotoGP: Rossi hails 'positive' podium return|date=30 September 2013|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924013742/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/196369/1/rossi-hails-positive-podium-return.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi again finished just off the podium in the [[2013 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysian]] round, finishing fourth but scored a final podium in the form of third place in the [[2013 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]] round, once more battling Crutchlow and Bautista.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/197271/1/rossi-celebrates-first-flagtoflag-podium.html |title=Australian MotoGP: Rossi celebrates first flag-to-flag podium|date=21 October 2013|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716164519/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/197271/1/rossi-celebrates-first-flagtoflag-podium.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the last two rounds in [[2013 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]] and in the [[2013 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]], he finished sixth and fourth respectively.

Rossi finished fourth in the championship with 237 points – his best result since 2010 – 97 points behind champion Marc Márquez.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/198007/1/final-2013-motogp-world-championship-standings.html |title=Final 2013 MotoGP World Championship standings|date=10 November 2013|access-date=10 November 2013|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705162052/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/198007/1/final-2013-motogp-world-championship-standings.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored six podiums, including one win in Assen.

=====2014=====
{{multiple image
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In the end of the 2013 season, Rossi announced the conclusion of his long collaboration with crew chief [[Jeremy Burgess]], who was replaced by Silvano Galbusera, the former crew chief of Marco Melandri in the Superbike World Championship.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/galbusera+new+rossi+crew+chief |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111165939/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2013/galbusera+new+rossi+crew+chief |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2013 |title=Silvano Galbusera becomes Rossi's Crew Chief|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=11 November 2013|access-date=7 May 2014}}</ref>

Rossi's first year since his return to Yamaha went well, and hopes for 2014 were even higher: more podiums, wins or even the illustrious tenth title all were mentioned by people. He started the season well with a second-place finish in [[2014 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]], storming from tenth on the grid to battle with the Honda of Márquez for the win, only to miss out on the victory on the last lap with 0.259 seconds in the line.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/201426/1/valentino-rossi-dangerous-galbusera-bet-paid-off.html |title=Qatar MotoGP: Valentino Rossi – 'Dangerous' Galbusera bet paid off|date=24 March 2014|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034305/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/201426/1/valentino-rossi-dangerous-galbusera-bet-paid-off.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next two races, the 2014 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas and the new venue in [[2014 Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix|Argentina]], Rossi only scored points by finishing in eighth and fourth.

A better result was achieved in the fourth round of the championship in [[2014 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], where he chose to use an extra-hard rear tyre that allowed him to move up to second from fourth on the grid and overtake Márquez in the end of the back straight on the first lap. Both swapped places over the remainder of the first and second laps, but Márquez pulled away in the Dry Sack corner and Rossi had to settle for second place.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/204017/1/tyre-risk-spurs-rossi-on-to-podium.html |title=Spain MotoGP: Tyre 'risk' spurs Rossi on to podium|date=5 May 2014|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716155609/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/204017/1/tyre-risk-spurs-rossi-on-to-podium.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another second place came in France after Rossi ran wide halfway through the race, allowing Márquez to win.<ref>{{cite web |work=Crash.net |publisher=Crash Media Group |url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/204607/1/rossi-mistake-ends-marquez-victory-battle.html |title=Le Mans MotoGP: Rossi mistake ends Marquez victory battle |date=19 May 2014 |access-date=19 July 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034336/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/204607/1/rossi-mistake-ends-marquez-victory-battle.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 June 2014, Rossi appeared in his 300th Grand Prix race in the [[2014 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italian]] round, where he finished in third.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/300-races-later-rossis-stats-put-marquez-on-toes-entering-mugello/ |title=300 races later: Rossi's stats put Marquez on toes entering Mugello|work=Fox Sports; Fox Entertainment Group|date=28 May 2014|access-date=28 May 2014|first=Samuel|last=Reiman|archive-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530155025/http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/300-races-later-rossis-stats-put-marquez-on-toes-entering-mugello/|url-status=live}}</ref> His fourth second place came in the [[2014 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalan]] GP, leading for much of the race but ultimately losing first place to Márquez in a late stage of the race.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/06/15/marquez-wins-again-in-great-barcelona-race/164390 |title=Marquez wins again in great Barcelona race |website=Motogp.com |access-date=22 April 2019 |archive-date=18 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418161437/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/06/15/marquez-wins-again-in-great-barcelona-race/164390 |url-status=live }}</ref> Lackluster performances followed in the [[2014 Dutch TT|Dutch]] and [[2014 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]] rounds – fifth and fourth – until a string of third places followed in the [[2014 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]], [[2014 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech]] and [[2014 British motorcycle Grand Prix|British]] races.

In his "home race" in [[2014 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]], Rossi won his first race since the 2013 Dutch TT round. He started third on the grid before moving up and battling with Márquez for the lead. On lap 10, Márquez fell, which allowed Rossi to pull a gap and finish first in the line, ahead of teammate Jorge Lorenzo.<ref name="Misano2014win">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/29197067 |title=San Marino MotoGP: Valentino Rossi takes first win of the season|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=15 September 2014|archive-date=15 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915013653/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/29197067|url-status=live}}</ref> The victory pushed him past 5000 total career points, making him the first, and so far only, rider to achieve this.<ref name="SMH5000points">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/valentino-rossi-wins-san-marino-motogp-marc-marquez-crashes-20140914-10gx4b.html |title=Valentino Rossi wins San Marino MotoGP, Marc Marquez crashes|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=15 September 2014|archive-date=14 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914222256/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/valentino-rossi-wins-san-marino-motogp-marc-marquez-crashes-20140914-10gx4b.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In round 14 in [[2014 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]], Rossi qualified in sixth place and had been making progress up the order when he ran wide onto the grass – damp due to the wet conditions – and crashed heavily. He lost consciousness briefly after the crash (or as Rossi put it: "I had a little nap") and was transferred to a hospital in [[Alcañiz]] for a precautionary [[CT scan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/10/09/rossi-reflects-on-security-after-aragon-crash/165315 |title=Rossi reflects on security after Aragon crash &#124; MotoGP™ |access-date=4 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308014803/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/10/09/rossi-reflects-on-security-after-aragon-crash/165315 |archive-date=8 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Precautionary+scan+for+Rossi+as+he+recovers+from+Aragon+crash |title=Precautionary scan for Rossi as he recovers from Aragon crash|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=28 September 2014|access-date=28 December 2014|archive-date=28 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228192503/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Precautionary+scan+for+Rossi+as+he+recovers+from+Aragon+crash|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In [[2014 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]] Rossi took his second victory of the year. He benefitted from an accident of Marc Márquez who had been leading the race. It was Rossi's sixth win in the circuit after five consecutive wins he took from [[2001 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|2001]] to 2005.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/209963/1/rossi-rolls-back-years-with-island-victory.html |title=MotoGP Australia: Rossi rolls back years with 'Island victory|date=19 October 2014|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716110339/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/209963/1/rossi-rolls-back-years-with-island-victory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2014 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]], another second-place finish followed when he initially took the lead halfway in the race after passing Lorenzo. Márquez passed both Lorenzo and Rossi, pulling a gap and finishing 2.445 seconds ahead of the Italian.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/29776713 |title=Malaysian MotoGP: Marc Marquez clinches record-equalling win|date=26 October 2014|access-date=22 April 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418163000/https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/29776713|url-status=live}}</ref> Rossi took his first pole position since the 2010 French Grand Prix in the [[2014 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] race, his 60th pole position in Grand Prix racing.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/159948/1/rossi-everything-working-out-except-shoulder.html |title=Rossi delighted with first 2010 pole|date=22 May 2010|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002710/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/159948/1/rossi-everything-working-out-except-shoulder.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished in second place behind Márquez in the race.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+Valencia+race+review |title=Rossi converts pole to second in race and championship|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=9 November 2014|access-date=15 December 2014|archive-date=11 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111012701/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+Valencia+race+review|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Rossi secured second place in the championship with 295 points, trailing champion Marc Márquez by 67 points.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/210762/1/final-2014-motogp-championship-standings.html |title=Final 2014 MotoGP Championship standings|date=9 November 2014|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034455/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/210762/1/final-2014-motogp-championship-standings.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====2015=====
[[File:Valentino rossi COTA 2015.png|thumb|Rossi during an autograph session in the [[2015 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas|2015 Grand Prix of the Americas]]]]
With a season of consistent podium finishes – including two wins in San Marino and Australia – there were once more hopes that Rossi might be able to win his tenth title this year. He started the 2015 season – his 20th in World Championship level – by taking victory in the opening race in [[2015 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]]; it was his first win in a season-opening race since the 2010 Qatar race. Rossi held off Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso to cross the line 0.174 seconds ahead and complete his 109th Grand Prix victory while Dovizioso's teammate [[Andrea Iannone]] finished third, completing an all-Italian podium – the first since the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/217083/1/vintage-rossi-outwits-ducati-for-qatar-glory |title=Vintage Rossi outwits Ducati for Qatar glory|date=29 March 2015|website=Crash|access-date=22 August 2020|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927183548/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/217083/1/vintage-rossi-outwits-ducati-for-qatar-glory|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/32109292 |title=Valentino Rossi wins season opener in Qatar|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2015|access-date=5 April 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017014823/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/32109292|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MotoGP records destroyed in the desert|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/05/motogp-records-destroyed-in-the-desert/173124|date=5 April 2015|access-date=5 April 2015|work=motogp.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|archive-date=11 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411234637/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/05/motogp-records-destroyed-in-the-desert/173124|url-status=live}}</ref> In the second race in the Americas, Rossi scored his first third-place podium. He moved up into second place but couldn't match the pace of polesitter and eventual winner Marc Márquez and lost second position to Dovizioso in the late stages of the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/217561/1/marquez-completes-motogp-treble-in-texas |title=Marquez completes MotoGP treble in Texas|date=12 April 2015|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422164330/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/217561/1/marquez-completes-motogp-treble-in-texas|url-status=live}}</ref> His second victory of the season came in [[2015 Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix|Argentina]] where Rossi and polesitter Márquez had a clash after a battle for the lead, causing Márquez to crash out of the penultimate lap and handing Rossi the race victory. This win consolidated his championship lead, becoming the first rider to win a race using an extra-hard [[Bridgestone]] rear tyre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/217930/1/rossi-rules-as-marquez-crashes-on-penultimate-lap |title=Rossi rules as Marquez crashes on penultimate lap|date=19 April 2015|website=Crash.net|access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref>

He recorded his fourth podium finish of the year, eighth successive podium finish – and the 200th of his Grand Prix career – with a third place in [[2015 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], then kept the run going with a second place in [[2015 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]] and a third place on home soil in [[2015 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lorenzo puts on master class to claim Jerez win|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/05/03/lorenzo-puts-on-master-class-to-claim-jerez-win/175051|date=3 May 2015|access-date=3 May 2015|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|quote=Unlike in Argentina he managed to respond to keep the Italian in bay with Rossi eventually crossing the line in third, a further six seconds back, to claim his 200th World Championship podium.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/218946/1/lorenzo-holds-off-rossi-at-le-mans.html |title=MotoGP Le Mans: Lorenzo holds off Rossi in Le Mans|date=17 May 2015|access-date=27 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/05/31/lorenzo-delivers-master-class-to-make-it-three-in-a-row/176886 |title=Lorenzo delivers master class to make it three in a row|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=31 May 2015|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> In [[2015 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], Rossi finished second after a late charge on teammate and race winner Jorge Lorenzo to maintain the championship lead over his teammate by one point.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/33127468 |title=Jorge Lorenzo beats Valentino Rossi|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 June 2015|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>

Rossi took his first pole position of the season in the [[2015 Dutch TT|Dutch]] race – his first pole since the 2014 Valencian Community round and 61st pole position in Grand Prix racing – and achieved his third victory of the season after a race-long battle with Márquez where the pair once again collided on the final corner on the last lap.<ref>{{cite news|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/220532/1/motogp-race-director-talks-rossi-marquez-incident.html |title= MotoGP Assen: Race Director talks Rossi, Marquez incident|date=28 June 2015|access-date=28 June 2015}}</ref> It was his first win from pole position since the 2009 San Marino Grand Prix and his twelfth successive podium. He also extended his championship lead to ten points over Lorenzo, who finished third.

Rossi further extended his championship lead in [[2015 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]] with third and continued his podium streak with third-place finishes in [[2015 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]] and the [[2015 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]].<ref>{{cite news|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/221066/1/rossi-title-charge-is-on.html |title=MotoGP Germany: Rossi: Title charge is on|date=13 July 2015|access-date=13 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/221868/1/rossi-we-knew-we-had-to-suffer.html |title=MotoGP Indianapolis: Rossi: 'We knew we had to suffer'|date=9 August 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/222030/1/lorenzo-rossi-title-battle-starts-from-zero.html |title=Lorenzo, Rossi MotoGP title battle 'starts from zero'|date=16 August 2015|access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref> Lorenzo's win in Brno gave him the championship lead over Rossi, by virtue of more wins in that point.

Rossi regained the championship lead with his fourth victory of the year in [[2015 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]] after Márquez – who had been chasing him for the majority of the race – crashed out in wet conditions on lap 13 while Lorenzo finished fourth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/rain-master-rossi-rules-at-silverstone/183092 |title=Rain-master Rossi rules in Silverstone|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=30 August 2015|access-date=30 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/222487/1/rossi-wins-dramatic-wet-british-gp |title=Rossi wins dramatic wet British GP|date=30 August 2015|website=Crash.net|access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> The podium streak of 16 races ended with a fifth-place finish in [[2015 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]], but Rossi extended his championship lead to 23 points after Lorenzo crashed out.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223017/1/rossi-wanted-to-cry-but-important-result.html |title=MotoGP Misano: Rossi 'wanted to cry', but 'important result' |date=13 September 2015|access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref> Lorenzo won the [[2015 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] round with Rossi finishing in third to cut the gap to fourteen points with four races remaining. The pair's results were enough for the [[Yamaha Motor Racing]] team to clinch their respective title, their first since 2010.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/223583/1/rossi-i-played-all-my-cards-and-more.html |title= MotoGP Aragon: Rossi: I played all my cards – and more|date=27 September 2015|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref>

In [[2015 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], Rossi extended his championship lead to eighteen points with a second-place finish to Dani Pedrosa – his first win of the season – in drying conditions. Lorenzo had started on pole but faded to third with tyre issues.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/11/peerless-pedrosa-takes-his-50th-gp-victory-at-motegi/186727 |title=Peerless Pedrosa takes his 50th GP victory in Motegi|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=11 October 2015|access-date=11 October 2015|quote=Dani Pedrosa rides a superb race to take victory in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan while Rossi extends lead over Lorenzo to 18 points.}}</ref> Lorenzo then cut the lead to eleven points in [[2015 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]] by finishing second to Rossi's fourth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121387 |title=Marc Marquez beats Jorge Lorenzo on last lap|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=18 October 2015|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref>

Lorenzo further cut the lead to seven points after a second-place finish in [[2015 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]]; Rossi finished third after a controversial collision with Márquez, in which he accrued three penalty points – enough to enforce a start from the back of the grid for the final race in the [[2015 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/25/pedrosa-wins-as-lorenzo-cuts-rossi-s-lead-to-7-points/188359 |title=Pedrosa wins as Lorenzo cuts Rossi's lead to 7 points|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|date=25 October 2015|access-date=25 October 2015}}</ref> Rossi accused Márquez of deliberately trying to harm his championship, something Márquez repeatedly denied.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121708 |title=Rossi: Marquez embarrassed MotoGP by helping Lorenzo win|magazine=Autosport|date=8 November 2015|access-date=11 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121712 |title=Marc Marquez 'insulted' by accusations from Valentino Rossi|magazine=Autosport|date=8 November 2015|access-date=11 November 2015}}</ref> Rossi made it up to fourth in the race but with Lorenzo winning it, he took the championship by only five points.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/34760108 |title=Jorge Lorenzo beats Valentino Rossi to win third title|date=8 November 2015|access-date=9 November 2015}}</ref>

The controversial rivalries between Rossi and Márquez appeared to end in the [[2016 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|2016 Catalan Grand Prix]], when Rossi and Márquez shook hands in the parc ferme. However, during the [[2018 Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix|2018 Argentine Grand Prix]], controversies reared up again following some disputed maneuvers carried out by Marc Márquez before and during the race, where he tried a very risky overtake on Rossi that resulted in a crash for the latter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/argentina-motogp-crutchlow-start-confusion-marquez-rossi-penalty-1023759/1400711/ |title=Argentina MotoGP: Crutchlow wins crazy race, Marquez hits Rossi|website=Motorsport.com|date=8 April 2018 |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref>

=====2016=====
<!-- [[File:Valentino Rossi in Losail International Circuit Qatar photo by Hanson.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi in the [[2016 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|2016 Qatar Grand Prix]]]] -->
Before the 2016 season even began, Rossi announced that he will continue his career by keeping his contract with the Factory Yamaha team until 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/08/05/mid-season-review-valentino-rossi/205121 |title=Mid-Season Review: Valentino Rossi|website=Motogp.com|date=5 August 2016 |language=en|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref> Yamaha announced that Rossi will ride a 2016 YZR-M1 which also includes ECU Michelin tyres new to MotoGP and all riders.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/122515/yamaha-launches-2016-motogp-bike |title=Yamaha reveals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo's 2016 MotoGP bike|last=Adam|first=Mitchell|work=Autosport.com|access-date=24 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> Expecting a difficult start to the season due to the new tyres, Rossi was able to adjust as he stated to the media in Sepang during the tests.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/us/motogp/news/rossi-closer-to-the-limit-on-revised-michelin-tyres-670977/2967296/ |title=Rossi "closer to the limit" on revised Michelin tyres|access-date=24 October 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:MotoGP - Sachsenring 2016 (28651120412).jpg|thumb|right|Rossi at Sachsenring 2016]]
Rossi began the 2016 season with fourth place in Qatar, albeit just two seconds from victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/qatar-motogp-lorenzo-sees-off-ducati-threat-to-win-season-opener-681230/681230/ |title=Qatar MotoGP: Lorenzo sees off Ducati threat to win season opener|website=Motorsport.com|date=20 March 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the next race in [[2016 Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix|Argentina]], Rossi returned to the podium with a second place behind Marc Márquez after a collision between Ducati riders Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso on the last lap allowed Rossi and Dani Pedrosa to move up, for which Iannone was penalised. The race was split into two parts similar to the 2013 Australian Grand Prix after concerns over [[Michelin]] rear tyres forced riders to make a pitstop to change bikes. Rossi had fought with Márquez for the lead in the first half of the race but fell back to fourth on his second bike before the last lap incident between the Ducatis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/04/04/marquez-clinches-victory-and-championship-lead-in-argentina/197476 |title=Marquez clinches victory and championship lead in Argentina |website=Motogp.com|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the third round in the [[2016 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas|Americas]], Rossi suffered his first DNF since the 2014 Aragon Grand Prix, bringing an end to a run of 24 consecutive top-five finishes after crashing in the start of the third lap in turn 2 when he lost the front of his M1 mid-corner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/04/10/marquez-marches-to-fourth-austin-win-as-rossi-crashes-out/198340 |title=Marquez marches to fourth Austin win as Rossi crashes out|website=Motogp.com|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

In [[2016 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], Rossi took pole position – his first since the Dutch round last year and his 52nd pole position overall – on Saturday, then led the race from start-to-finish with the exception of one corner to win. The race marked the first time in his MotoGP career that Rossi led every lap of a race from pole position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/229700/1/valentino-rossi-storms-to-pole-at-jerez |title=Valentino Rossi storms to pole in Jerez|date=23 April 2016|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-25/valentino-rossi-wins-spanish-motogp/7354540 |title=Masterful Rossi wins Spanish Grand Prix|date=25 April 2016|website=ABC News|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the [[2016 French motorcycle Grand Prix|French]] round, Rossi started a lowly seventh on the grid but recovered in the race, overtaking both Márquez and Dovizioso in the process to finish second with the fastest lap of the race, the race being won by Yamaha teammate Lorenzo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lorenzo-wins-the-le-mans-crashfest-vinales-makes-podium-debut-107272.html |title=Lorenzo Wins the Le Mans Crashfest, Vinales Makes Podium Debut|first=Florin|last=Tibu|date=9 May 2016|website=autoevolution|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi suffered an engine failure on his home race in [[2016 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]] when battling Lorenzo for the lead after starting from pole position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-points-situation-very-bad-after-mugello-retirement-739405/739405/ |title=Rossi: Points situation "very bad" after Mugello retirement|website=Motorsport.com|date=22 May 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> It was Rossi's first technical failure since the 2007 San Marino Grand Prix.

Rossi bounced back in Catalunya by winning from seventh on the first lap after a late-race battle with Márquez. Rossi dedicated the victory to the family of former Moto2 rider [[Luis Salom]], who had been killed following a crash during Friday practice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/06/05/rossi-gets-revenge-in-barcelona-thriller/203160 |title=Rossi gets revenge in Barcelona thriller|website=Motogp.com|date=5 June 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> The first race held on Sunday in the [[2016 Dutch TT|Dutch]] race saw disappointment for Rossi as wet conditions saw him fall from a comfortable lead in a restarted race following a red flag in torrential conditions. Assuming the lead in the second race, Rossi set the fastest lap and continued to push before crashing due to what he called a "stupid mistake".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/06/26/miller-walks-on-water-for-miraculous-first-win/204529 |title=Miller walks on water for miraculous first win|website=Motogp.com|date=26 June 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> More rain in the [[2016 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]] round saw Rossi in contention for victory again. However, a delayed decision to change bikes in the drying conditions, combined with using intermediate tyres instead of slicks like Márquez, saw him come home eighth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/07/17/marquez-wins-big-with-tyre-gamble-in-germany/205827 |title=Marquez wins big with tyre gamble in Germany|website=Motogp.com|date=17 July 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

After the summer break, MotoGP's return to [[2016 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix|Austria]] for the first time since 1997 saw the Factory Ducati riders dominate for a 1–2 finish, Rossi coming home a close fourth behind Jorge Lorenzo. Another wet race in the [[2016 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] saw Rossi go against the majority of the field in choosing the harder rear wet tyre. Initially it seemed an error as he fell from 6th to 12th but he recovered throughout the race to finish second to Cal Crutchlow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/232960/1/crutchlow-masters-wet-for-brno-victory |title=Crutchlow masters wet for Brno victory|date=21 August 2016|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> [[2016 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]] saw Rossi line up second on the grid behind pole-sitter Crutchlow and following an intense battle with Márquez, eventually finishing third behind Crutchlow and first-time race winner [[Maverick Viñales]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/09/04/maverick-rules-silverstone-for-a-stunning-maiden-win/209508 |title=Maverick rules Silverstone for a stunning maiden win|website=Motogp.com|date=4 September 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> A week later Rossi finished second in his "home race" in [[2016 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]]. After leading for the majority of the race he was overhauled by Dani Pedrosa in the closing laps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/09/11/pedrosa-writes-another-chapter-of-history-in-misano/210672 |title=Pedrosa writes another chapter of history in Misano|website=Motogp.com|date=11 September 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi again led for a period in [[2016 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] before eventually finishing third.

The flyaway races began badly for Rossi after he crashed out of second place in [[2016 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], having started from pole. Victory for Márquez saw the Spaniard crowned champion with three races remaining.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/10/16/rossi-on-motegi-crash-i-m-ok-but-it-s-a-shame/213169 |title=Rossi on Motegi crash: "I'm ok – but it's a shame"|website=Motogp.com|date=16 October 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi started in fifteenth spot in the [[2016 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]] race after a rain affected qualifying but recovered to finish second in the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/10/23/crutchlow-blitzes-phillip-island-for-win-number-2/213971 |title=Crutchlow blitzes Phillip Island for win number 2|website=Motogp.com|date=23 October 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi secured second place once more in wet conditions in [[2016 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]] behind Andrea Dovizioso having again led for periods of the race, the result securing second place in the championship for the third consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/10/30/dovioncloud9-dovizioso-storms-sepang-as-9th-winner-of-2016/215058 |title=#DoviOnCloud9: Dovizioso storms Sepang as 9th winner of 2016|website=Motogp.com|date=30 October 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> The season concluded in the same fashion as 2015 did, with fourth place in [[2016 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencia]] after a long battle with Iannone.

Rossi finished second in the championship with 249 points, 49 points behind champion Marc Márquez.

=====2017=====
<!-- [[File:Italian professional motorcycle racer and multiple MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi in action in the day 1 of Qatar test in the Losail International Circuit. (33220830442).jpg|thumb|right|Rossi in the 2017 Qatar tests in the [[Losail International Circuit]]]] -->
[[File:MotoGP - Sachsenring 2017 (35773770456).jpg|thumb|right|Rossi at Sachsenring 2017]]
Rossi suffered a difficult winter testing period for the 2017 season, often lagging behind new teammate Maverick Viñales after suffering with a new, softer construction Michelin front tyre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/analysis-what-we-learned-from-the-qatar-motogp-test-882939/882939/ |title=MotoGP 2017: What we learned from Qatar testing|website=Motorsport.com|date=15 March 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

For the season opener in [[2017 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] however, he appeared to make a breakthrough, moving from tenth on the grid to finish third.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/03/26/desert-stormed-vinales-draws-first-blood-in-2017/222368 |title=Desert stormed: Viñales draws first blood in 2017|website=Motogp.com|date=26 March 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi continued his improvement by taking back-to-back second place podiums in [[2017 Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix|Argentina]] after a battle with Cal Crutchlow for second place and the [[2017 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas|Americas]] to take the lead of the championship after three races by six points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/39548579 |title=Argentina MotoGP: Cal Crutchlow third as Maverick Vinales wins again|date=9 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2019|publisher=BBC Sport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622191710/https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/39548579 |archive-date=22 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/04/23/five-by-five-magic-for-marquez-and-a-crash-for-vinales/226149 |title=Five by five: magic for Marquez and a crash for Viñales|website=Motogp.com|date=23 April 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

The European season began disappointingly with a lowly tenth position in the [[2017 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spanish]] round whilst Honda rider Dani Pedrosa won the race from pole.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/39837605 |title=Spanish MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa wins with championship leader Valentino Rossi in 10th|date=7 May 2017|access-date=23 April 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In the next race in [[2017 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]], Rossi crashed out of the race on the last lap while battling with teammate Viñales for the win. Rossi also lost the championship lead after the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/05/21/showdown-at-le-mans-vinales-vs-rossi-in-the-frenchgp/229072 |title=Showdown in Le Mans: Viñales vs Rossi in the #FrenchGP|website=Motogp.com|date=21 May 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Following the French round, Rossi suffered a motocross training crash and had mild thoracic and abdominal trauma, but no fractures were detected in any part of the body and no serious traumatic pathologies were found.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sailing/2017/05/26/valentino-rossi-injured-motocross-accident/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sailing/2017/05/26/valentino-rossi-injured-motocross-accident/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Valentino Rossi injured in motocross accident|first=Telegraph|last=Sport|date=26 May 2017|access-date=23 April 2019|newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This crash initially threatened his participation in Mugello, but ultimately he passed a late fitness test and was deemed fit to race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-motogp-rossi-idUSKBN18M1D4 |title=Rossi leaves hospital after motocross accident|date=26 May 2017|access-date=23 April 2019|website=Reuters.com}}</ref> In his home race in [[2017 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], Rossi finished just off the podium in fourth, blaming his lack of energy due to his motocross training crash a week earlier which prevented him from scoring said podium.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-mugello-podium-motogp-physical-condition-injury-914357/914357/ |title=Valentino Rossi: 'Physical condition" cost me Mugello MotoGP podium|website=Motorsport.com|date=4 June 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> A week later in [[2017 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], both Yamaha riders struggled as they did in Jerez in the hot conditions with Rossi and Viñales only able to finish eighth and tenth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/06/11/dovizioso-doubles-up-italian-takes-second-win-in-a-week/231502 |title=Dovizioso doubles up: Italian takes second win in a week|website=Motogp.com|date=11 June 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

Tests of a new chassis after the Catalan race were positive and saw Rossi take his first and only win of the season in the Dutch round after a late-race battle with the Pramac Ducati of [[Danilo Petrucci]], who ran slick tyres on a damp track, the older Italian prevailing by just 0.063 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/moto/netherlands-grand-prix/2017/valentino-rossi-records-10th-win-at-assen-with-first-victory-of-the-season_sto6230073/story.shtml |title=Valentino Rossi records 10th win in Assen with first victory of the season|date=25 June 2017|website=Eurosport|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> The result also made Rossi the oldest race winner in the MotoGP era, surpassing Troy Bayliss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lpmcc.net/sport/race_motogp_rossi.htm |title=Valentino Rossi|website=Lpmcc.net}}</ref> After his win in Assen, Rossi underperformed in the next three rounds in [[2017 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], the [[2017 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] and [[2017 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix|Austria]], finishing in fifth, fourth and seventh positions.

Rossi returned on the podium in [[2017 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]], leading for much of the race but ultimately having to concede the win to Dovizioso and second to Viñales with three laps to go.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/08/27/dovizioso-stuns-silverstone-to-retake-the-championship-lead/238345 |title=Dovizioso stuns Silverstone to retake the Championship lead|website=Motogp.com|date=27 August 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> After the race in Silverstone, Rossi suffered another motocross crash in late August where he suffered displaced fractures of the tibia and [[fibula]] of his right leg. He suffered these injuries on the same leg that he previously broke in his high-speed crash in Mugello in 2010 and put him out of contention, requiring surgery and missing his "home race" in [[2017 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-hospitalised-after-motocross-crash-947520/3043623/ |title=Rossi suffers leg fractures in serious motocross crash|website=Motorsport.com|access-date=23 April 2019|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423083602/https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-hospitalised-after-motocross-crash-947520/3043623/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/881807/1/rossi-to-miss-misano-motogp-no-replacement |title=Rossi to miss Misano MotoGP, no replacement|date=4 September 2017|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/881827/1/rossi-saddened-to-miss-very-special-race |title=Rossi saddened to miss 'very special' race|date=6 September 2017|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

After missing out on the race in Misano, Rossi returned in Aragón to finish an impressive fifth after lining up in the front row of the grid on Saturday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rivals-laud-injured-rossi-aragon-run-957453/3048379/ |title=Rivals laud injured Rossi's 'incredible' Aragon performance|website=Motorsport.com|date=25 September 2017 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In [[2017 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], he had his second retirement of the season after he crashed in the wet conditions early in the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport/41626701 |title=MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso wins in Japan to cut Marc Marquez lead|date=15 October 2017|access-date=23 April 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In the [[2017 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]] GP, Rossi scored his final podium of the season by finishing in second place, fighting hard with Tech 3 Yamaha rider [[Johann Zarco]] and finishing ahead of teammate Viñales by just 0.016 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/australian-motogp-marquez-wins-at-phillip-island-to-extend-title-lead-20171022-gz5w8t.html |title=Australian MotoGP: Marquez wins in Phillip Island to extend title lead|first=Matt|last=Clayton|date=22 October 2017|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi finished the season with disappointing results in the [[2017 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysian]] and [[2017 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] rounds, only being able to score seventh and fifth.

Rossi finished fifth in the championship with 208 points – his lowest position since his final season with Ducati in 2012 – 90 points behind champion Marc Márquez.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics/2017/VAL/MotoGP/World+Standing |title=motogp.com · MotoGP World Standing 2017|website=Motogp.com|access-date=23 April 2019|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423083600/http://www.motogp.com/en/Results%2BStatistics/2017/VAL/MotoGP/World%2BStanding|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====2018=====
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Before the start of the season-opening race in Qatar, Rossi announced he had extended his contract in the Factory Yamaha team until 2020, when he will be 41 years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/891552/1/valentino-rossi-resigns-yamaha |title=Valentino Rossi re-signs for Yamaha|date=15 March 2018|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/03/15/rossi-signs-new-two-year-deal-with-movistar-yamaha/251856 |title=Rossi signs new two-year deal with Movistar Yamaha|website=motogp.com|date=15 March 2018 }}</ref>

During the pre-season tests, Rossi and Viñales once again struggled with their 2018 Yamaha YZR-M1 competitor. Both riders were concerned about corner-entry and corner-exit issues as well as the lack of traction and tyre temperature.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/motogp/whats-going-yamaha |title=What's going on in Yamaha?|date=20 February 2018|website=Motor Sport Magazine|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

In the first round in [[2018 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]], Rossi started off well by getting a first podium of the season in the form of third place. He had a good start from eighth on the grid to move up to fourth on the opening lap, overtook the Honda of Dani Pedrosa on the second lap and made his move on the other Honda of Marc Márquez with 17 laps to go. However, he went wide in turn one on lap 11 and allowed Márquez and Andrea Dovizioso past. With five laps to go, Rossi muscled his way past the Tech 3 Yamaha of Johann Zarco but eventually couldn't get close enough and crossed the line 0.797 seconds behind eventual race winner Dovizioso.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rtrsports.co.uk/blog/rossi-qatar-2018/ |title=Rossi in the Gp of Qatar 2018, Valentino Rossi landed podium in Losail|date=19 March 2018|website=Rtrsports.co.uk|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In Argentina, Rossi finished outside of the points in nineteenth place after a collision with the Honda of Márquez, who was storming through the field after starting from the back, when his bike stalled as a result of the crash. Márquez went up the inside of multiple riders, clashing with the Aprilia of [[Aleix Espargaró]] first and later with Rossi. When the Spaniard misjudged the braking point, he forced Rossi to go wide, making him clip the grass and fall in the process. Rossi eventually got going again, but failed to score any points afterwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/04/08/crutchlow-on-top-as-the-title-fight-explodes-in-argentina/254628 |title=Crutchlow on top as the title fight explodes in Argentina|website=Motogp.com|date=8 April 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> After the race, Rossi accused Márquez of "destroying our sport" because he "doesn't have any respect for his rivals" and Márquez received a 30-second penalty for the action.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/moto/gp-argentina/2018/valentino-rossi-marc-marquez-has-destroyed-our-sport_sto6706924/story.shtml |title=Valentino Rossi: Marc Marquez has 'destroyed our sport'|date=9 April 2018|website=Eurosport UK|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the following rounds in the [[2018 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas|Americas]] and [[2018 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]], Rossi finished off the podium twice in fourth and fifth place, but he bounced back by scoring three consecutive third-place podiums in the [[2018 French motorcycle Grand Prix|French]], [[2018 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italian]] and [[2018 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalan]] rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rtrsports.co.uk/blog/valentino-rossi-le-mans/ |title=2018 MotoGP: untamable Rossi takes LeMans podium|date=21 May 2018|website=Rtrsports.co.uk|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/mugello-race-report-lorenzo-marquez-rossi-1044213/3115123/ |title=Mugello MotoGP: Lorenzo gets first Ducati win, Marquez crashes|website=Motorsport.com|date=3 June 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/06/17/mr-consistent-rossi-continues-podium-streak-in-barcelona/262876 |title=Mr consistent: Rossi continues podium streak in Barcelona|website=Motogp.com|date=17 June 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In Mugello, he scored his first and only pole position of the season – his first since the 2016 Japanese GP and his 51st MotoGP pole position overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/897437/1/rossi-surprised-mugello-pole-gains-something-old |title=Rossi surprised by Mugello pole with gains from 'something old'|date=2 June 2018|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

Rossi only finished fifth in the [[2018 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round but managed to score his first and only second place of the season in [[2018 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]], 2.196 seconds behind winner Márquez, claiming he finished so high on a track that usually doesn't suit the Yamaha's because he "studied everything" from the then-absent [[Jonas Folger]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-studied-folger-race-sachsenring-vinales-1060335/3141931/ |title=Rossi 'studied everything' from Folger's 2017 race|website=Motorsport.com|date=15 July 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> After his podium finish in the Sachsenring, Rossi finished off the podium again in the [[2018 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] and [[2018 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix|Austria]] races in fourth and sixth place.

With the race in [[2018 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]] cancelled due to heavy rain which failed to drain properly on the newly repaved Silverstone surface, Rossi failed to finish on the podium for five consecutive races.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/08/26/silverstone-cancellation-sunday-s-order-of-events/269747 |title=Silverstone cancellation: Sunday's order of events|website=Motogp.com|date=26 August 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> He finished the San Marino race in seventh, the [[2018 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] race in eighth, the [[2018 Thailand motorcycle Grand Prix|Thai]] and Japanese races in fourth and the [[2018 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australian]] race in sixth.

Rossi's best chance in a victory came in the penultimate round of the season in [[2018 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]]. He took the lead going into the first corner from P2 after poleman Zarco made a poor start and built up a gap, but Márquez stormed up through the field and the gap between them was 1.1 seconds with ten laps to go. Rossi pushed hard to keep the gap above 1 second but Márquez dipped below to 0.7 seconds with five laps to go. Many were preparing for a Rossi-Márquez battle when Rossi lost the front of his M1 bike with four laps to go in turn 1. Márquez won the race, with Rossi remounting and finishing nineteenth, outside the points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/11/04/marquez-wins-in-malaysia-as-rossi-crashes-out-of-the-lead/277811 |title=Marquez wins in Malaysia as Rossi crashes out of the lead|website=Motogp.com|date=4 November 2018 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the [[2018 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] round, Rossi moved up the order from sixteenth on the grid in the wet conditions, being helped by some of the front runners crashing out in the ever-worsening conditions. When the race was stopped, Rossi was forced to use a used rear tyre, which he claimed "made the difference" as he was "more in trouble with the rear". As the race restarted, Rossi crashed out of second place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/910722/1/rossi-valencia-crash-st-emotion |title=Rossi on Valencia crash: A s**t emotion|date=19 November 2018|website=Crash.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

Rossi finished third in the championship with 198 points, 123 points behind champion Marc Márquez. This was Rossi's first winless season since 2012 when he raced with Ducati and his first ever winless season with the Factory Yamaha team.

=====2019=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi leads the pack 2019 Phillip Island.jpeg|thumb|right|Valentino Rossi leads the pack [[2019 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|2019 Phillip Island]]]]
During the pre-season tests, both Yamaha riders had mixed feelings of the 2019 YZR-M1. There were signs that showed that some of the problems, such as the lack of traction and degradation of the tyres, were less of an issue this year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepitcrewonline.net/2019/02/10/motogp-sepang-test-ducati-fastest-yamaha-improving-suzuki-contending-marquez-hiding/ |title=MotoGP Sepang Test: Ducati Fastest, Yamaha Improving, Suzuki Contending, Marquez Hiding|first=Alex|last=Whitworth|date=10 February 2019|website=Thepitcrewonline.net|access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> However, in the Sepang tests, Rossi said he was only "half-happy" with the results, claiming, "some things worked well and we improved our performance, other things from which we expected a lot unfortunately didn't bring us what we need."

In the opening round in [[2019 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]], Rossi lined up fourteenth on the grid on Saturday but stormed through the field to finish in fifth in the line, +0.600 seconds behind race winner Andrea Dovizioso.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2019/03/10/rossi-s-sunday-recovery-p14-to-p5/286453 |title=Rossi's Sunday recovery: P14 to P5|website=Motogp.com|date=10 March 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the next race in [[2019 Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix|Argentina]], he rode a strong race where he battled with the Ducati of Dovizioso, overtaking him on the last lap to finish second, his first podium since the 2018 German round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2019/03/31/rossi-makes-long-awaited-rostrum-return-in-argentina/288205 |title=Rossi makes long awaited rostrum return in Argentina|website=Motogp.com|date=31 March 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-podium-happy-dovizioso-argentina/4362646/ |title=Rossi rode 'like when I was young' in Argentina race|website=Motorsport.com|date=31 March 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> In the third round in the [[2019 Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas|Americas]], Rossi again finished second after Marc Márquez crashed out of the race and Rossi was overtaken by the Suzuki of [[Álex Rins]] with four laps to go. Eventually, Rins crossed the line 0.462 seconds ahead of Rossi to win his first ever MotoGP race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-rins-better-austin-showdown/4371009/ |title=Rossi: Rins was "better than me" in Austin showdown|website=Motorsport.com|date=14 April 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref> After the good results in Argentina and the U.S., Rossi only managed to finish in sixth and fifth place in [[2019 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] and [[2019 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]].

In the next three rounds, Rossi registered three consecutive retirements – for the first time in his career. In [[2019 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], he crashed out after clipping the back of Joan Mir's Suzuki and ran across the gravel in Turn 4. He recovered and tried to regain the lost ground but eventually slid off again in the high-speed Arrabiata 2 corner to register his first DNF since the 2017 Japanese race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/921688/1/petrucci-powers-maiden-motogp-win-mugello-thriller |title=Petrucci powers to maiden MotoGP win in Mugello thriller|date=2 June 2019|website=Crash}}</ref> In [[2019 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalunya]], Rossi – despite qualifying well on Saturday in fifth – was again forced to retire after an error by Jorge Lorenzo on lap 2 led to a freak accident in which Lorenzo, Rossi, teammate Viñales and Andrea Dovizioso were all involved. When Lorenzo tried to dive down the inside of Dovizioso in Turn 10, he lost the bike and collected Dovizioso, which in turn took out Viñales. Rossi was forced to go wide and initially survived a minor hit of Lorenzo's stricken bike, only to hit it again and fall onto the tarmac this time. The bike was damaged as a result and Rossi was unable to continue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/922569/1/quartararo-storms-catalunya-motogp-pole-yamaha-returns-form |title=Quartararo storms to Catalunya MotoGP pole as Yamaha returns to form|date=15 June 2019|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/923128/1/marquez-wins-catalunya-motogp-after-lorenzo-takes-out-dovi-yamahas |title=Marquez wins Catalunya MotoGP after Lorenzo takes out Dovi, Yamahas|date=16 June 2019|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2019/06/16/marquez-capitalises-to-win-dramatic-catalan-gp/296848 |title=Marquez capitalises to win dramatic Catalan GP|website=motogp.com|date=16 June 2019 }}</ref> In the [[2019 Dutch TT|Netherlands]], Rossi registered his third DNF when he crashed and took out [[Takaaki Nakagami]] in Turn 8 on lap 4, the race being won by his teammate Viñales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/924537/1/vinales-fends-marquez-assen-triumph |title=Vinales fends off Marquez for Assen triumph|date=30 June 2019|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2019/06/30/vinales-unstoppable-as-he-strides-to-assen-victory/299099 |title=Viñales unstoppable as he strides to Assen victory|website=motogp.com|date=30 June 2019 }}</ref>

After these disastrous results, the next races went better for him. In the [[2019 German motorcycle Grand Prix|German]] and [[2019 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech]] rounds, Rossi managed to score an eighth and sixth place. He then scored three consecutive fourth places in [[2019 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix|Austria]], which was the scene of the dramatic last-lap battle between Dovizioso and Màrquez, [[2019 British motorcycle Grand Prix|Great Britain]] and his home race in [[2019 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/927401/1/dovizioso-stuns-marquez-defend-ducati-s-austrian-motogp-record |title=Dovizioso stuns Marquez to defend Ducati's Austrian MotoGP record|date=11 August 2019|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2019/08/11/dovi-beats-marquez-at-the-final-corner-to-win-austria-epic/304594 |title=Dovi beats Marquez in the final corner to win Austria epic|website=motogp.com|date=11 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/929296/1/marquez-leaves-it-late-beat-quarataro-misano-victory |title=Marquez leaves it late to beat Quarataro to Misano victory|date=15 September 2019|website=Crash}}</ref> Two eighth-place finishes followed for the Italian in [[2019 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]] and [[2019 Thailand motorcycle Grand Prix|Thailand]].

In [[2019 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], Rossi had another retirement. He crashed out of a lowly eleventh place in Turn 1 with four laps to go. This was Rossi's fourth DNF of the season, equalling his [[1998 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1998 season]] and the highest number of his MotoGP career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/931826/1/marquez-control-japanese-motogp-victory |title=Marquez in control for Japanese MotoGP victory|date=20 October 2019|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2019/10/20/marquez-wins-to-clinch-manufacturers-title-for-honda/314106 |title=Marquez wins to clinch manufacturers title for Honda|website=motogp.com|date=20 October 2019 }}</ref> Rossi ended the season only being able to score points: he finished in eighth place in Australia, fourth place in [[2019 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]] – narrowly losing out on the podium but taking the fastest lap of the race – and eighth again in [[2019 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencia]].

Rossi finished seventh in the championship with 174 points, 246 points behind champion Marc Márquez. This was Rossi's lowest championship position since 2011 when he raced for Ducati and marked his second winless season.

=====2020=====
[[File:Yamaha MotoGP factory rider Valentino Rossi.jpg|thumb|Rossi in the MotoGP winter tests 2020 in Qatar]]
In October 2019, Rossi announced he would be changing his crew chief. Silvano Galbusera, who has been Rossi's crew chief since 2014, will be replaced by David Muñoz for the 2020 season. The reason stated for this change was because of the poor results Rossi obtained during the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/930561/1/rossi-change-yamaha-crew-chief-2020 |title=Rossi to change Yamaha crew chief for 2020|date=3 October 2019|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-galbusera-split-munoz-yamaha/4552351/ |title=Rossi names reasons behind Galbusera split|website=motorsport.com|date=4 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/935157/1/rossi-munoz-new-generation-chief-mechanic |title=Rossi: Munoz 'new generation' of chief mechanic|date=18 December 2019|website=Crash}}</ref>

Rossi's future in the factory Yamaha team was uncertain after the rather poor results he had obtained the previous year. His initial plan was to wait for a handful of races in 2020 to see how competitive he still is because he has not won a race since 2017 and because of his lackluster 2019 season. However, because of the outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and subsequent delay of the start of the season, Rossi did not get the five or six races he hoped for.<ref name="auto7">{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/04/25/i-hope-to-continue-in-2021-rossi-on-his-motogp-future/329756 |title="I hope to continue in 2021" – Rossi on his MotoGP™ future|website=motogp.com|date=25 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/939420/1/rossi-finally-we-can-enjoy-motogp-again |title=Rossi: Finally we can enjoy MotoGP again!|date=14 July 2020|website=Crash}}</ref> The team had asked him in the beginning of the year to make a decision regarding his future for reasons dictated by the riders' market, but ended the negotiations after his decision and chose [[Fabio Quartararo]] to line up beside Viñales for the 2021 season.<ref name="auto8">{{cite web|url=https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/official-valentino-rossi-exit-yamaha-factory-end-2020-motogp |title=OFFICIAL: Valentino Rossi to exit Yamaha factory in end of 2020 MotoGP |first1=Ollie |last1=Barstow |date=29 January 2020 |website=Visordown}}</ref> This has left Rossi with a vacant seat but Yamaha's Lin Jarvis has already said that the team wants to supply him with a full factory bike and support.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-explains-yamaha-decision-answers/4678123/ |title=Rossi explains why he didn't commit to early Yamaha deal|website=motorsport.com|date=29 January 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/01/29/quartararo-joins-vinales-at-factory-yamaha-for-2021-2022/322667 |title=Quartararo joins Viñales in factory Yamaha for 2021–2022|website=motogp.com|date=29 January 2020 }}</ref> In July 2020, Rossi said that he is "99% certain" he will ride for the SIC Racing Team even though no contract has been signed yet, and that he'll make the decision either in August or September 2020.<ref name="auto9">{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/07/15/rossi-99-certain-he-will-ride-for-petronas-yamaha-in-2021/333289 |title=Rossi "99% certain" he will ride for Petronas Yamaha in 2021|website=motogp.com|date=15 July 2020 }}</ref> Rossi has also said he wants to continue racing in 2021, but that both he and SIC team boss Razlan Razali had doubts after the poor weekend in [[2020 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]].<ref name="auto7"/><ref name="auto8"/> However, after Rossi's podium in the second race in [[2020 Andalusian motorcycle Grand Prix|Andalucia]], these doubts were put to rest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-podium-removed-doubts-over-2021-decision-srt/4845748/ |title=MotoGP news: Valentino Rossi podium removed Petronas doubts|website=motorsport.com|date=29 July 2020 }}</ref>

In the pre-season tests, the 2020 Yamaha YZR-M1 had improved considerably compared to the 2019 counterpart. The new engine had fixed most of the deficit that the riders suffered from in 2018 and 2019 and the handling was improved as well thanks to an updated chassis. Both the Factory as well as the SIC satellite riders were happy with the feeling of this year's bike and Rossi said that the bike has "a very good feeling" but that he personally worries he'll struggle with the tyres after around five to six laps and is disappointed the Yamaha is still losing out to the competitors on the straights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/02/26/yamaha-take-2020-preseason-testing-clean-sweep/325975 |title=Yamaha take 2020 preseason testing clean sweep|website=motogp.com|date=26 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/valentino-rossi-worried-2020-yamaha/4694858/ |title=Rossi "worried" about 2020 Yamaha's race pace|website=motorsport.com|date=24 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/02/24/rossi-i-feel-good-with-the-bike/325888 |title=Rossi: "I feel good with the bike"|website=motogp.com|date=24 February 2020 }}</ref> He also commented that the updated Michelin tyres suit the bike, as well as his riding style, a lot more compared to last year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/valentino-rossi-%E2%80%98competitive%E2%80%99-yamaha-losing-free-time-straights |title=Valentino Rossi 'competitive' but Yamaha losing free time on straights |first1=Ollie |last1=Barstow |date=11 February 2020 |website=Visordown}}</ref>

Rossi's first race was supposed to start in [[2020 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|Qatar]] but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. After a three-month delay, the season finally got underway in Spain. In this race, Rossi was in tenth position before retiring with technical problems. The race was won by satellite rider Quartararo for the first time in his MotoGP career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/940098/1/quartararo-storms-spanish-motogp-win-marquez-crashes-heavily |title=Quartararo storms to Spanish MotoGP win, Marquez crashes heavily|date=19 July 2020|website=Crash}}</ref> In the same venue one week later in Andalucia, the Italian took his first podium since Austin. After qualifying in a strong fourth on Saturday, Rossi found himself in a fierce battle for second place with teammate Maverick Viñales after multiple riders either crashed out or had technical issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/07/25/pole-again-for-quartararo-as-vinales-has-lap-cancelled/335605 |title=Pole again for Quartararo as Viñales has lap cancelled|website=motogp.com|date=25 July 2020 }}</ref> Eventually, after outbraking himself, he lost second to Viñales but came home third to pick up his 199th podium in his motorcycle racing career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/940646/1/quartararo-secures-backtoback-motogp-wins-yamaha-123 |title=Quartararo secures back-to-back MotoGP wins in Yamaha 1–2–3|date=26 July 2020|website=Crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/940648/1/rossi-proves-himself-wrong-bounce-back-timely-jerez-podium |title=Rossi proves himself wrong to bounce back with timely Jerez podium|date=26 July 2020|website=Crash}}</ref> In the following two rounds in the [[2020 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Czech Republic]] and [[2020 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix|Austria]], he came home in fifth place but only managed to come home ninth in the [[2020 Styrian motorcycle Grand Prix|Styrian]] GP. Following a fourth place in the first race in his home Grand Prix in Misano, Rossi had three consecutive retirements, crashing out in the early stages of the second race in Misano and Le Mans, and while challenging Quartararo for a potential race win in Barcelona.

On 15 October 2020, he tested positive for COVID-19, which forced him to miss the [[2020 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragon]] and [[2020 Teruel motorcycle Grand Prix|Teruel]] GP's.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 October 2020 |title=Valentino Rossi tests positive for Covid-19, will miss Aragon GP|url=https://www.eurosport.com/moto/valentino-rossi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-will-miss-aragon-gp_sto7951494/story.shtml|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Eurosport|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=15 October 2020 |title=Rossi tests positive for COVID-19, to miss Aragon MotoGP|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-motogp-aragon-rossi-idUKKBN2702LY|access-date=15 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MotoGP News: Rossi to miss Aragon GP with COVID-19|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-miss-aragon-gp-positive-covid-19-test/4892343/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1|access-date=15 October 2020|website=motorsport.com| date=15 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Six members of the factory Yamaha team were quarantined as one member had already tested positive earlier in October 2020.<ref>[https://the-race.com/motogp/six-yamaha-motogp-staff-in-covid-quarantine/ Six Yamaha MotoGP staff in COVID quarantine] the-race.com, 8 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020</ref><ref>[https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/946406/1/valentino-rossi-ruled-out-aragon-motogp-positive-covid-test Valentino Rossi ruled out of Aragon MotoGP after positive Covid test] crash.net, 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020</ref> Having recovered from COVID-19, Rossi raced in the European GP but retired. On 12 November, Rossi tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time. However, further tests confirmed that the previous test was a false positive and he was allowed to participate in the final two races of the season.

==== Petronas Yamaha SRT (2021) ====
[[File:Luca Marini, Pol Espargaró and Valentino Rossi 2021 Spielberg (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Pol Espargaró]] and Rossi in [[2021 Styrian motorcycle Grand Prix|2021 Spielberg]]]]
In September 2020, after six months of speculation, Rossi confirmed that he would be joining Petronas Yamaha SRT for the [[2021 MotoGP World Championship|2021 season]] alongside his VR46 Academy protégé [[Franco Morbidelli]].<ref>{{cite web|date=26 September 2020 |title=Valentino Rossi signs with Petronas Yamaha SRT for 2021|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2020/09/26/valentino-rossi-signs-with-petronas-yamaha-srt-for-2021/347071|access-date=18 November 2020|website=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|language=en}}</ref> This is the first time that Rossi raced with a satellite team since 2001 – which was when he clinched his first-ever premier class world title.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Despite being a non-factory rider, Rossi still received factory-supported machinery for his season in Petronas Yamaha SRT. In this team he had five different teammates in a season, namely Franco Morbidelli, [[Garrett Gerloff]], Cal Crutchlow, [[Jake Dixon]], and Andrea Dovizioso.

===Retirement from motorcycle racing===
On 5 August 2021, during the pre-event press conference of the [[2021 Styrian motorcycle Grand Prix]] weekend, Rossi announced that he would retire from MotoGP after the 2021 season.<ref name="motogp2"/> His last race was the [[2021 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix]], and he was congratulated for a successful career by various celebrities and prominent racing figures such as [[Lewis Hamilton]] and [[Max Verstappen]], as well as former rival Casey Stoner. Rossi's number 46 was retired with a ceremony in the 2022 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix.<ref name="46retired">{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/motogp-officially-retires-valentino-rossis-46-at-mugello/10312250/ |title=MotoGP officially retires Valentino Rossi's #46 in Mugello|date=28 May 2022|work=Autosport}}</ref>

===Sportscar racing===
During his MotoGP career, Rossi had participated in some car racing events like the Gulf 12 Hours in 2019 and 2020, usually driving a [[Ferrari]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/11/21/valentino-rossi-to-race-at-gulf-12-hours.html |title=Valentino Rossi To Race In Gulf 12 Hours|date=24 November 2020|publisher=Dailysportscar}}</ref> On 13 January 2022, it was announced that Rossi would be racing for Team WRT in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in 2022, driving an [[Audi R8 LMS]].<ref name="motogp3">{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/01/13/valentino-rossi-to-contest-2022-gt-world-championship/403772 |title=Valentino Rossi to contest 2022 GT World Championship|publisher=Dorna Sports|website=motogp.com|date= 13 January 2022}}</ref>

====GT World Challenge Europe Endurance & Sprint====
===== Team WRT Audi (2022)=====
======2022======
[[File:WRT46SPA2022.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Team WRT]] #46 Audi R8 LMS Evo II driven by Rossi, [[Frédéric Vervisch]] and [[Nico Müller]] in the [[2022 24 Hours of Spa]]]]
In January 2022, Team WRT announced that Rossi would join its driver line-up in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS for the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandworks.be |title=Valentino Rossi to Drive an Audi R8 LMS of Team WRT in the 2022 GTWCE |url=https://w-racingteam.com/news/detail/387/valentino-rossi-to-drive-an-audi-r8-lms-of-team-wrt-in-the-2022-gtwce |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=w-racingteam.com}}</ref> Rossi started his professional career on four wheels with the Belgian squad, which is the reigning champion team in the Fanatec GTWCE Powered by AWS (overall, Endurance and Sprint). Rossi competed in both the Endurance and the Sprint Cups, driving an Audi R8 LMS sporting the emblematic #46 in the Pro Cup class. He was paired with Audi factory drivers Nico Müller and Frédéric Vervisch for his first full-time foray in sportscar racing,<ref name=wrt>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/gt/news/rossi-muller-vervisch-wrt-teammates-2022/8693878/ |title=Valentino Rossi to be joined by Muller, Vervisch in WRT GTWCE squad|website=motorsport.com|date=4 March 2022|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407105645/https://www.motorsport.com/gt/news/rossi-muller-vervisch-wrt-teammates-2022/8693878/|url-status=live}}</ref> the former being an endurance co-driver for the team.

In his first race in [[Imola Circuit|Imola]], Rossi finished in 17th place overall due to a miscommunication causing him to overshoot his pit box; despite this issue Rossi stated he "enjoyed every moment".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1000135/1/valentino-rossi-not-fault-imola-pit-stop-mishap |title= Valentino Rossi 'not in fault' for Imola pit stop mishap|publisher=Crash Media|website=crash.net|date= 4 April 2022}}</ref> In the next round in [[Brands Hatch]], the first Sprint round of the championship, he finished Race 1 and Race 2 in 13th and 8th places respectively. In the following 6 rounds of the championship, Rossi and his teammates achieved 4 overall top ten finishes, three of them being 5th place finishes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Race Results 2022 {{!}} Brands Hatch {{!}} Race 1 {{!}} Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS Sprint Cup {{!}} Great Britain |url=https://www.gt-world-challenge-europe.com/results?filter_season_id=22&filter_meeting_id=184&filter_race_id=1206 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS |language=en-GB}}</ref> Rossi would end the season 21st in the standings, ending up 16th in the standings in both the Endurance and Sprint Cups.

===== BMW M Team WRT (2023–)=====
======2023======
[[File:46BMWWRT24HSPA2023.jpg|thumb|right|The Team WRT#46 BMW M4 GT3 driven by Rossi, [[Maxime Martin]] and [[Augusto Farfus]] in the 2023 24 Hours of Spa]] 
[[File:BMWWRT462023SPA24.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi with Martin and Farfus competing at the [[2023 24 Hours of Spa]]]]
Rossi continued with Team WRT for [[2023 GT World Challenge Europe|2023]], this time driving a BMW M4 GT3 as opposed to an Audi R8 LMS due to WRT becoming a BMW factory team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://id.motorsport.com/gt/news/wrt-beralih-bmw-gt3-valentino-rossi-pengujian/10379120/ |title=WRT Beralih ke BMW GT3, Valentino Rossi Ikut Uji Coba|website=id.motorsport.com|date=4 October 2022 |language=id}}</ref> For that year, Rossi was paired with BMW factory drivers Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus, the latter joining for the endurance rounds. Rossi won his first race in the GT World Challenge in Misano.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/sportscars/news/1031419/1/valentino-rossi-wins-four-wheels-emotional-misano |title=Valentino Rossi wins on four wheels in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe in Misano|first=James|last=Dielhenn|website=Crash.net|date=16 July 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Rossi finished 6th in the standings during his second full year in the championship.

======2024======
Rossi continued with Team WRT for [[2024 GT World Challenge Europe|2024]], with Farfus replaced with new BMW factory driver [[Raffaele Marciello]] for the [[2024 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup|endurance rounds]]. Rossi would claim his second win in the series, repeating his win in Misano the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1048620/1/glory-valentino-rossi-misano-he-wins-four-wheels-again |title=Glory for Valentino Rossi in Misano as he wins on four wheels again|first=James|last=Dielhenn|website=Crash.net|date=18 May 2024 |access-date=20 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

Rossi is also expected to compete in the [[2024 24 Hours of Le Mans]] alongside Martin and Al Harthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/valentino-rossi-to-take-the-start-in-the-2024-24-hours-of-le-mans-58088 |title=VALENTINO ROSSI TO TAKE THE START IN THE 2024 24 HOURS OF LE MANS|website=24h-lemans.com|date=27 November 2023 |access-date=31 May 2024| language=en}}</ref>
At this season in the Endurance Cup, Rossi managed to finish in 9th position in the final standings with 34 points.Meanwhile in the Sprint Cup race, Rossi managed to achieve 2 podiums and 1 win, finished in 8th in the standings and got 27 points.

======2025======
Rossi continued racing in 2025 with [[Ahmad Al Harthy]] and [[Kelvin van der Linde]] in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and [[Raffaele Marciello]] and [[Charles Weerts]] in the Intercontinental GT Challenge with Team WRT, specifically in the LMGT3 class.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/rossi-to-return-to-wec-in-2025-with-team-wrt-bmw/10688681/|title=MotoGP legend Rossi stays in WEC with Team WRT BMW for 2025|website=Motorsport.com|date=14 January 2025 |access-date=23 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref> 
They achieved a podium finish in the Bathurst 12 Hour race, securing second place in the Pro category. The podium finish marked a positive start to Rossi's 2025 season and his third attempt at Bathurst. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f1technical.net/news/26264|title=MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi secures first podium at Bathurst 12 Hour|website=f1technical.com|date=2 February 2025 |access-date=3 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

Then in the FIA WEC, 6 Hours of Imola, the BMW #46 driven by Valentino Rossi, Ahmad Al-Harthy, and Kevin van der Linde became runner-up after leading for quite some time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://id.motorsport.com/wec/news/rossi-tinggalkan-6-hours-of-imola-dengan-rasa-bersalah/10715830/|title=Rossi Tinggalkan 6 Hours of Imola dengan Rasa Bersalah|website=Motorsport.com|date=22 April 2025 |access-date=23 April 2025 |language=id}}</ref>

Valentino Rossi and [[Kevin Magnussen]] are teammates at the [[Spa 24 Hours]]. Rossi and Magnussen will share a WRT-entered BMW M4 GT3 EVO with three-time [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft|DTM]] champion [[René Rast]] in the third round of the [[GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup]] on June 26-29. It be the fourth consecutive appearance at the Spa 24 Hours for Rossi, who recently outlined his desire to return to the Belgian endurance classic this year despite stepping down from GTWCE to focus on his main World Endurance Championship commitments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/id/sportscars/news/1069423/1/valentino-rossi-dan-kevin-magnussen-akan-jadi-rekan-setim-di-spa-24-jam|title=Valentino Rossi dan Kevin Magnussen akan Jadi Rekan Setim di Spa 24 Jam|website=Crash|date=7 May 2025 |access-date=9 May 2025 |language=id}}</ref>

====Road to Le Mans====
Rossi competed in the [[2023 Road to Le Mans]] with Team WRT, alongside [[Jérôme Policand]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/valentino-rossi-to-take-the-start-in-the-2023-road-to-le-mans-57399 |title=Valentino Rossi to take the start in the 2023 Road to Le Mans|work=24 Hours of Le Mans|date=3 May 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> in preparation for a planned debut in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. Rossi and Policand scored a class victory in the second race, having been promoted to the position after the [[AF Corse]] [[Ferrari 488 GTE]] of [[Kei Cozzolino]] and Hiroshi Koizumi was penalized for "erratic driving".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/lemans/news/rossi-road-to-le-mans-class-win-great-preparation-for-24-hours/10480811/ |title=MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi scores Road to Le Mans win|work=Motorsport|date=9 June 2023|first=Stephen|last=Lickorish|access-date=4 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

====Intercontinental GT Challenge====

At the first round in Mount Panorama, Australia, Valentino Rossi has completed the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance car race on Sunday, February 5, 2023. He was able to finish at 6th with his teammates, Augusto Farfus and Maxime Martin. They rose two places from their starting position in 8th. 
During the Bathurst 12 Hour car race in Australia, Rossi reportedly experienced a taillight problem. The taillight of the BMW racing car he was driving was not working. This situation made Team WRT mechanics act quickly to fix it, because it is a safety factor in endurance car racing. However, Rossi and his team failed to get a podium, and had to be satisfied with finishing in P6. Even though this team had competed in the top three when the race had 2.5 hours left.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tempo.co/olahraga/lampunya-bermasalah-valentino-rossi-finis-ke-6-di-bathurst-12-hour-221851|title=Lampunya Bermasalah, Valentino Rossi Finis Ke-6 di Bathurst 12 Hour|website=tempo.co|date=6 February 2023 |language=id}}</ref>

Last round was held in Yas Marina, Valentino Rossi managed to take second place in the 2023 Gulf 12 Hours race at Abu Dhabi on December 10, 2023. Rossi and team-mates Dries Vanthoor and Nick Yelloly missed out on victory by 12 seconds to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Maro Engel, Luca Stolz and Mikael Grenier. However, that final margin did not tell the whole story. Rossi led the race after 7.5 hours, then held his lead for an hour, when he then handed it over to Yelloly. However, a pedal box problem cost the team 15 seconds during a pit stop, and they dropped back to second.

Although the trio kept the fight alive for the win for the remainder of the race, they were unable to catch the Mercedes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/id/motogp/news/1042684/1/gagal-menangi-gulf-12-hours-2023-rossi-sedikit-kecewa|title=Gagal Menangi Gulf 12 Hours 2023, Rossi "Sedikit Kecewa"|website=crash.net|date=12 December 2023 |language=id}}</ref>

At his first season in 2023 in this competition, Rossi managed to achieve 1 podium by finishing in 13th place in the final standings and gaining 38 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gpone.com/en/2023/12/11/auto-news/rossi-a-bit-upset-about-second-place-we-felt-the-taste-of-victory.html|title=Rossi: "A bit upset about second place, we felt the taste of victory|website=gpone.com|date=11 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In the 2024 season, Rossi competed with Raffaele Marciello and Maxime Martin. At the first round in Mount Panorama, Rossi and his two car mates, performed extraordinarily at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour. Valentino Rossi even almost tasted the podium with the WRT team at the Mount Panorama Circuit. Driving a BMW M4 GT3, Rossi et al ended the 12-hour race just two seconds behind to reach the podium, in a fairly chaotic race with many incidents. Since the start of the race, car number 46 continued to fight in the front group to maintain its hopes of reaching the podium. There was an incident after eight hours, because Maxime Martin entered the gravel at the top of the mountain track.

Fortunately, there was no significant collision so that the WRT team car could continue the race even though it lost many positions. Until the last five minutes, car number 46 which was driven by Maxime Martin still had the opportunity to reach the remaining podium at Mount Panorama.

There was a tight four-way battle there, because there were four cars that had the same chance to compete for the podium. Unfortunately when taking the Murray corner, Martin slipped and went wide into the grass outside the asphalt so that he lost momentum. However, he was still able to fight, before finally the opportunity to reach the podium really slipped away. It's a shame because the podium would actually be the most beautiful gift for Rossi, who just turned 45 on February 16, 2024. Rossi himself appeared in several stints, and was able to cut some of the time that was lost from other racers. It can even be said that the appearance at Mount Panorama was one of the best performances from the MotoGP legend on four wheels. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gridoto.com/read/224021051/tampil-mengagumkan-valentino-rossi-nyaris-cetak-podium-di-bathurst-12-hour-2024|title=Tampil Mengagumkan, Valentino Rossi Nyaris Cetak Podium di Bathurst 12 Hour 2024|website=gridoto.com|date=19 February 2024 |language=id}}</ref>

Rossi finished in 17th position in the final standings with 14 points. 

In 2025 season, Rossi competed in this competition with Raffaelle Marciello and Charles Weerts. At the first round in Mount Panorama, he started the season with a brilliant achievement, although a bit blundering. Valentino Rossi managed to take his first podium in the 2025 competition season, at the Bathurst 12 Hour. Together with Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weerts, Valentino Rossi managed to win second place in the race at the Mount Panorama Circuit. 

Rossi et al, who drove the BMW M4 GT3 WRT team, appeared very promising from the start in the 12-hour race. Marciello, who was the starter, immediately pushed many positions at the start of the race and then set the racing rhythm and also did fuel management. Another important moment was when the first safety car came out, where the car number 46 managed to take second place. Rossi played a very important role because he appeared very fast, even though he made a fatal mistake. Fortunately, Rossi and his two teammates were still fast enough, so the penalty that dropped him to eighth position could be corrected. Racing style with good fuel management tactics made them make one pit stop less than almost all of their rivals. However, if there had been no penalty, it is not impossible that Rossi et al would have beaten the other WRT team cars that became the winners. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/sportscars/news/1062624/1/valentino-rossi-podium-bathurst-12-hour|title=Valentino Rossi on the podium at Bathurst 12 Hour|website=crash.net|date=2 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

====24H GT Series====
Rossi competed in the 24H Series race. In 2023, he teamed up with [[Sean Gelael]], Maxime Martin, Max Hesse, and Tom Whale on Team WRT for the [[2022–23 Middle East Trophy]]. The five of them drove the BMW M4 GT3, according to the class they participated in, namely the GT3. The GT3 class is attended by 20 cars which is the most from all classes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://otomotif.kompas.com/read/2023/01/12/160100915/rossi-dan-sean-gelael-mulai-latihan-bareng-gt-world-challenge |title=Rossi and Sean Gelael Begin Training Together for the GT World Challenge|website=otomotif.kompas.com|date=12 January 2023 |language=id |last1=Media |first1=Kompas Cyber }}</ref> In the first race in [[2023 Dubai 24 Hour|Dubai]], Rossi and his co-drivers achieved a third-place finish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/sportscars/news/1018955/1/valentino-rossi-seals-podium-finish-24-hours-dubai |title=Valentino Rossi Seals Podium Finish 24 Hours Dubai|website=crash.net|date=15 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

====World Endurance Championship====

=====2024 season=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2024 WEC Fuji 6.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Rossi at the [[2024 6 Hours of Fuji]]]] 
In addition to his GT World Challenge Europe commitments, Rossi was signed to compete in the World Endurance Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/wec/news/valentino-rossi-joins-wec-lmgt3-ranks-with-bmw-in-2024/10552600/ |title=Valentino Rossi joins WEC LMGT3 ranks with BMW in 2024|work=Motorsport|date=27 November 2023|first=Gary|last=Watkins|access-date=20 May 2024|language=en}}</ref> He would be paired with Maxime Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy for his initial season in WEC.

In the first round, Rossi successfully completed his debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) car racing event at [[Lusail International Circuit]], [[Qatar]]. Rossi drove the BMW M4 LMGT3 car with the Team WRT. Rossi, who retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season, joined the Team WRT for the opening WEC series, in the Qatar 1812&nbsp;km, which takes place on March 1–2, 2024. Rossi shares car number 46 with teammates [[Dries Vanthoor]] and [[Charles Weerts]]. In a race that lasted 12 hours, Rossi and his team managed to finish fourth in the LMGT3 class, and 14th overall. They were just 1 minute 23 seconds behind the LMGT3 class winners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/valentino-rossi-fourth-in-world-endurance-championship-sports-car-debut/#:~:text=On%20the%20weekend%20before%20the,the%20classic%2024%20Hours%20of|title=Valentino Rossi Fourth In World Endurance Championship Sports Car Debut|work=Road Racing World|date=2 March 2024|access-date=2 May 2024|language=en}}</ref>

Next in the second round, Rossi scored his maiden podium in his second race, at the [[2024 6 Hours of Imola]]. The Doctor had a fierce duel with Sean Gelael. At that time Rossi was winning with a good time. Rossi with WRT #46 was more than 20 seconds ahead of WRT #31, which was Sean Gelael's team. But Sean cut the distance, to 19, 17, 13, 10, 8, and finally 5 seconds. An uphill battle considering the track conditions were also not easy because there were many incidents of cars leaving the track and then bringing gravel into the race track. It rained at the end of the race, but the two cars Team WRT pulled away to finish in the front two positions at Imola.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1047278/1/valentino-rossi-podium-just-his-second-world-endurance-championship-race |title=Valentino Rossi podium in just his second World Endurance Championship race|first=James|last=Dielhenn|website=Crash.net|date=22 April 2024 |access-date=20 May 2024| language=en}}</ref>

[[File:2024 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 No.46 (DSC03892).jpg|thumb|right|The Team WRT#46 BMW M4 GT3 driven by Rossi, Maxime Martin and [[Ahmad Al Harthy]] in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship]]
After a perfect result at Imola, Rossi had to accept his misfortune in the third race of the FIA WEC series titled [[6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps]]. Rossi's car failed to finish due to a careless mistake by a hypercar in the six-hour race at Team WRT's home track. Rossi had been having a pretty good race from the start, and had the potential for a good result in the LMGT3 class this weekend. In the race, the #46 car driven by Rossi and his two partners started from second position. The #46 car suffered first when its partner, Ahmad Al Harthy, was hit. There were two hypercars battling it out, one of which was driven by [[Rene Rast]] who is also a BMW M Team WRT driver. Rast crashed into the #38 JOTA team hypercar driven by [[Phil Hanson (racing driver)|Philip Hanson]], and unfortunately there was a car crash that hit Al Harthy. The race was stopped for over an hour to repair the track barrier due to the crash, and car #46 had to be retired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/05/12/spa-6-hour-race-report-2024/|title=PRIVATEER PORSCHE SNATCHES DRAMATIC SPA 6 HOUR VICTORY|website=Crash.net|date=12 May 2024 |access-date=20 May 2024| language=en}}</ref>

Next in [[Le Mans]], Rossi and the #46 car had some bad luck. Battling for the top spot in the opening stages, Al Harthy handed over the BMW WRT to Rossi who managed to maintain the top spot for most of his stint. But when the rain came, Al Harthy, who stayed on track with slippery tires, crashed and damaged the car beyond repair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ligaolahraga.com/olahraga-lain/valentino-rossi-sayangkan-gagal-finis-di-le-mans|title=Valentino Rossi Sayangkan Gagal Finis Di Le Mans|website=ligaolahraga.com|date=17 June 2024 |access-date=20 June 2024| language=id}}</ref>

In the race at the [[Interlagos Circuit]], Brazil, Team WRT 46 driven by Valentino Rossi and his two colleagues were able to finish fifth even though they started from 12th place. The WRT 31 Team's main competitor in the hunt for the LMGT3 class title, Manthey PureRxcing 92, won the race and has now widened the points gap in the standings. Meanwhile, the Manthey EMA 91 team experienced problems and finished 12th.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sport.detik.com/sport-lain/d-7439085/wec-2024-wrt-31-finis-ke-10-di-6-hours-of-sao-paulo|title=WEC 2024: WRT 31 Finis ke-10 di 6 Hours of Sao Paulo|website=detik.com|date=15 July 2024 |access-date=16 July 2024| language=id}}</ref>

Next round at America, The #46 BMW M4 LMGT3 car driven by Valentino Rossi, Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin crashed out 15 minutes before the end of the World Endurance Championship race at [[Circuit of the Americas]], Austin, [[Texas]]. They rose from 15th in the LMGT3 class to fifth alongside Al-Harty in Sunday's Lone Star Le Mans starting stint at COTA. Al-Harty's strong speed was maintained by his teammates, Rossi and Martin in the six-hour race. Running inside the top five as the finish line neared, the car experienced hydraulic problems with 15 minutes remaining and was forced to retire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/id/motogp/news/1054549/1/balapan-wec-valentino-rossi-di-cota-digagalkan-masalah-teknis|title=WEC 2024: Balapan WEC Valentino Rossi di COTA Digagalkan Masalah Teknis|website=crash.net|date=3 September 2024|access-date=4 September 2024| language=id}}</ref>

[[File:Podium LMGT3 Team WRT 36 2024 WEC Fuji 3.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi celebrates podium in the Fuji WEC 2024 with his teammate]]
The next race was held in [[Fuji Speedway|Fuji]], Japan. This is Valentino Rossi's latest achievement in four-wheel racing, winning his first World Endurance Championship (WEC) podium at the Fuji Circuit. Rossi and his teammates Maxime Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy placed their #46 BMW M4 in third place in the LMGT3 class. They finished behind Ferrari and Porsche. Rossi drove the final lap for his team and completed two overtakes at the same corner. He rose five positions in two rounds. They started from 12th position on the grid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/id/motogp/news/1055532/1/valentino-rossi-naik-podium-wec-6-hours-fuji-di-jepang|title=Valentino Rossi Naik Podium WEC 6 Hours of Fuji di Jepang|website=crash.net|date=15 September 2024|access-date=16 September 2024| language=id}}</ref>

Next is the final race held in Bahrain. Moving into the top 10 later on the hour, as the first round of pit stops began to take place, the Omani rider remained off track at the start and as a result moved further into the top six with less than 55 minutes gone. After his first visit to the pits soon after, Al Harthy emerged in 10th place and was aiming to make progress but was instead back to 12th in the second hour. He then pitted himself against each other again towards the end of the second hour. Rossi got behind the wheel of the No.46 BMW M4 for his first race and when orders were finalized he was 12th. Gaining some ground to re-emerge in the top 10, Rossi pitted about 45 minutes into the third hour and rejoined in 12th time again. Al Harthy returned to the driver's seat for his final stint before the fourth hour ended, finishing 14th and holding that position until his next pit visit. Martin then took over driving duties, entering the race in 15th position. With two and a half hours remaining he moved up to 13th, before Rossi took over for the final race. After that, the last few hours passed in the same manner with Martin doing his best to gain strength but feeling frustrated in the end. Running 13th with less than half an hour remaining, Martin had to make one final pit visit and ultimately took the checked flag at the end of eight hours in 14th place in LMGT3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.muscatdaily.com/2024/11/03/bapco-energies-8-hours-of-bahrain/|title=Al Harthy, Martin and Rossi end FIA WECseason sixth in LMGT3 Championship.|website=muscatdaily.com|date=3 November 2024 |access-date=4 November 2024| language=en}}</ref>

=====2025 season=====
Rossi is confirmed to return to compete in the [[2025 FIA World Endurance Championship|2025 LMGT3]] car racing championship. He will compete in the LMGT3 class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) endurance racing with the [[W Racing Team|BMW WRT team]]. The BMW WRT team has announced that Rossi will continue his career in the WEC and will again be paired with [[Ahmad Al Harthy]], as well as double Nurburgring 24 Hours winner [[Kelvin van der Linde]] who has also joined the team. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fiawec.com/en/news/rossi-returns-for-second-season-with-bmw-and-team-wrt/8187|title=Rossi returns for second season with BMW and Team WRT.|website=fiawec.com|date=14 January 2025 |access-date=15 January 2025| language=en}}</ref>

In the first round held in Qatar, Rossi and his two teammates could only finish in 11th position. 

In the second round held in Imola, Rossi and his two colleagues, Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde, managed to finish on the second podium in the LMGT3 Imola 6 Hours class. This result is very unfortunate, because Rossi et al performed very well since the practice session, until they managed to achieve pole position when the car was driven by The Doctor. One of the important factors in the failure of the VR46 Racing Team boss in the 6 Hours of Imola was because of his action of crashing into another car. 

Approximately at 3 hours and 45 minutes into the race, Rossi, who was driving a BMW M4 GT3 Evo number 46, crashed into the Ferrari AF Corse number 21 driven by Simon Mann. The nine-time world champion in motorcycle racing crashed, when the two were competing for the position of leader of the race. At that time the, Rossi tried to enter from the inside at the Rivazza 2 corner, but instead hit Mann and then threw him to the track barrier wall. Rossi was immediately given a drive through penalty for his actions, so his position in front had to be given to another car. However, Kelvin van der Linde's appearance in the final stint of car number 46, had opened up a glimmer of hope. Kelvin was able to catch up with the Porsche 911 GT3-R driven by Richard Lietz to the finish line, although in the end he had to be satisfied with finishing on the second podium with a very narrow defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gridoto.com/read/224241899/nubruk-ferrari-valentino-rossi-gagal-menang-imola-6-hours-2025|title=Nubruk Ferrari, Valentino Rossi Gagal Menang Imola 6 Hours 2025.|website=gridoto.com|date=21 April 2025 |access-date=23 April 2025| language=id}}</ref>

The next series was titled [[6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps]], which took place at the [[Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps]]. In this race, Rossi continued to race with his two colleagues Ahmad Al Harthy and Kevin van der Linde. However, during the free practice session, Ahmad Al Harthy, who was driving car #46, had an incident. The moment occurred right at the iconic Eau Rouge corner. At that time, Al Harthy was about to enter the Eau Rouge corner, but suddenly from behind there was a [[Ferrari]] hypercar that was driving very fast from the inside. The incident caused car #46 to have to go out into the run off area and had to jump when it found a mound there. However, they were still able to continue the next session and start from 9th position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prescottmotorsport.co.uk/post/ferrari-dominates-spa-qualifying-maiden-lmgt3-pole-for-lexus|title=Ferrari dominates Spa Qualifying, maiden LMGT3 pole for Lexus|website=prescottmotorsport.co.uk|date=10 May 2025 |access-date=11 May 2025| language=en}}</ref> During the race, Rossi and his two colleagues only managed to finish in 9th position.

=====Hypercar testing=====

The 8 Hours of Bahrain on November 2 marked the end of BMW M Motorsport's debut season in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). On the Sunday after the race, the FIA WEC Rookie Test is scheduled, where Valentino Rossi (ITA), [[Dan Harper]] (GBR), and [[Max Hesse]] (GER) will piloted the [[BMW M Hybrid V8]]. The three of them have prepared for their Rookie Test in the BMW M Motorsport simulator in Munich (GER). Hesse was involved in development work during the season. He and Harper had also previously completed aerodynamic tests. For Rossi, this will be his first appearance in the cockpit of an LMDh car.

The seven-time MotoGP champion posted a 1m50.577s aboard the #20 WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh late in the afternoon session of the test on Sunday, the day after the WEC championship finale in Bahrain. 
That compared with Arthur Leclerc’s 1m50.460s at the wheel of the #50 AF Corse Ferrari 499P Le Mans Hypercar also set in the final hour of the afternoon period.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0445916EN/fia-wec-season-finale:-double-duty-for-valentino-rossi-in-bahrain-%E2%80%93-lmgt3-race-and-rookie-test-in-hypercar|title=FIA WEC season finale: Double duty for Valentino Rossi in Bahrain – LMGT3 race and Rookie Test in Hypercar.|website=bmwgroup.com|date=24 October 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024| language=en}}</ref>

====24 Hours of Le Mans====
In 2024, Valentino Rossi debuts with Team WRT at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The #46 WRT car actually performed very impressively in the first third of the race, especially when the wheel was held by Valentino Rossi. Rossi and the #46 car, which actually only started 12th in the LMGT3 class, were able to impress and then lead the race in the LMGT3 class for quite a while. Unfortunately, this unwanted incident by Valentino Rossi, Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin then occurred at midnight local time.
After completing his first stint, Rossi handed over the wheel of his BMW M4 LMGT3 car to Ahmad Al Harthy. Unexpectedly in a lead of more than a minute, Al Harthy lost control of his car and then twisted in the area after Dunlop Chicane and Tertre Rouge S. The car that was being held by Al Harthy also hit the track dividing wall and then suffered severe damage. The crash forced Rossi, Al Harthy and Martin out of the race and The Doctor's debut ended in disappointment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/le-mans/news/1050695/1/valentino-rossis-team-wrt-46-bmw-suffers-dnf-24-hours-le-mans |title=Valentino Rossi's Team WRT #46 BMW suffers DNF in 24 Hours of Le Mans|website=crash.net|date=16 June 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024| language=en}}</ref>

==Rivalries==
===1990s and early 2000s: Capirossi, Biaggi and Gibernau===
{{multiple image
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|image1=Max Biaggi 2005 Donington Park 2.jpg
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|footer=Max Biaggi at the 2005 British Grand Prix and Loris Capirossi with Rossi and Dani Pedrosa on the podium at the 2006 Czech Republic Grand Prix
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====Loris Capirossi====
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially during his 250cc career, Rossi's main rival was fellow Italian Loris Capirossi. They often fought hard between each other during the races – with [[1999 Dutch TT|1999 Assen]], 2003 Catalunya and 2006 Mugello<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/77564/1/rossi-strikes-back-with-home-mugello-win |title=Rossi strikes back with home Mugello win|date=4 June 2006|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaxjSJnwE4A&t=267s| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103041323/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaxjSJnwE4A| archive-date=3 November 2014 | url-status=dead |title=Remember MotoGP™ Mugello 2006|date=29 May 2013|access-date=24 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> as examples – they always maintained a level of fairness on and off the track.

Their rivalry died down when Capirossi stopped consistently battling for podiums and eventually retired from MotoGP racing completely in 2011.

====Max Biaggi====
At the early stages of his 500cc career, Max Biaggi was considered Rossi's main rival. Rossi often found himself battling on the track with Capirossi and Biaggi, dubbing them "the three musketeers" by the Italian press. While the rivalry with Capirossi never escalated and the two always were on good terms with each other, the rivalry with Biaggi had been growing since the mid-1990s, even though both didn't race against each other until the 2000 season when Rossi first joined the 500cc class.

Before the first race of the 2001 season even started, Rossi and Biaggi had already had a heated argument when Biaggi encountered Rossi at a restaurant in Suzuka and told him to "wash your mouth out before saying my name". At the first round of the season in Japan, one of the most famous episodes in their rivalry took place when Biaggi seemed to have tried to push Rossi into the dirt at high speed and a few laps later Rossi overtook Biaggi and showed, on live television, his middle finger to him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gpone.com/en/2019/02/17/motogp/max-biaggi-dear-rossi-my-enemy-what-great-competitions.html |title=MotoGP, Max Biaggi: Dear Rossi, 'my enemy', what great competitions! &#124; GPone.com}}</ref> Their rivalry reached its peak two months later at the [[2001 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|2001 Catalan round]] when at the end of the 500cc race, Rossi and Biaggi came to blows (involving members of their entourage and circuit employees) in the moments before the podium ceremony. Neither rider admitted that they got into a fist fight, but Biaggi appeared in the post-race press conference with red marks and scratches on his face, which he said "must have been caused by a mosquito bite". Rossi claimed that the incident happened because Biaggi bumped into his manager as both riders prepared to go up to the podium with third-place finisher Loris Capirossi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/jun/18/motorcycling.motogp |title=Rivals in podium fracas|date=18 June 2001 |website=The Guardian |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

Two weeks later at the next Grand Prix in [[2001 Dutch TT|Assen]], Honda organized a press conference to put the events of Barcelona behind them. Rossi and Biaggi talked about the event and shook hands in front of the media, which ended the feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/69546/1/biaggi-and-rossi-shake-on-it |title=Biaggi and Rossi shake on it |date=28 June 2001|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> After that, although they have had run-ins on track over the next couple of seasons, the media frenzy surrounding them and any incidents off-track calmed down, mainly due to Rossi's consecutive World Championships and Biaggi's struggle to find support and a consistent rhythm with his races, even after switching to the Honda Pons and later the Factory Honda team.

Some would also consider the 2004 South African round another key point in the rivalry due to the switch Rossi made from the Factory Honda to the Factory Yamaha team, with many believing that Biaggi would have the upper hand for the season due to the advantage the Honda had over its competitors at the time. During the race, Rossi and Biaggi fought hard but eventually, Rossi crossed the line 0.210 seconds ahead of Biaggi, dealing a critical psychological blow to Biaggi, with Rossi calling the race "one of the best of his career".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/04/18/moto.safrica/ |title=CNN.com – Rossi celebrates a welcome victory – Apr 18, 2004|website=CNN|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZIi4PN_z9Q| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216065550/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZIi4PN_z9Q&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=16 February 2013 | url-status=dead |title=Historic MotoGP™ Battles – Rossi vs Biaggi|date=2 February 2013|access-date=24 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref>

In his autobiography ''What If I'd Never Tried It?'', Rossi makes a number of claims about the reasons for his rivalry with Biaggi, and some of the incidents which led to its escalation. The rivalry was also featured in the 2003 documentary film, ''[[Faster (2003 film)|Faster]]''.

====Sete Gibernau====
Rossi's closest rival in the 2003 and 2004 seasons was Sete Gibernau, riding for the [[Gresini Racing|Gresini Team]] Movistar Honda on a satellite RC211V in 2004 and then on an all but in name factory RC211V, which Gibernau helped to develop, in 2005. Initially they were quite friendly in the paddock and off – Gibernau partied on occasions with Rossi at the Italian's Ibiza villa – but a souring in their relationship began in the 2004 season and culminated in the "Qatar Incident" that same season when Rossi's team was penalized for "cleaning" his grid position to aid in traction, along with Honda Pons' Max Biaggi, and both riders were subsequently forced to start from the back of the grid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74770/1/rossi-penalized-will-start-last |title=Rossi penalized – will start last!|date=2 October 2004|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74761/1/biaggi-joins-rossi-at-back-of-the-grid |title=Biaggi joins Rossi at back of the grid |date=2 October 2004|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/74764/1/gibernau-wins-dramatic-qatar-gp-rossi-falls |title=Gibernau wins dramatic Qatar GP, Rossi falls |date=2 October 2004|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> A number of teams, including Gibernau's Team Gresini and the official Repsol Honda factory team, appealed successfully to race direction for Rossi to be sanctioned. Rossi and his chief engineer, Jeremy Burgess, insisted that they were doing nothing more than what many others had done before when faced with a dirty track and Rossi accused Gibernau of being behind the move to appeal for a sanction, something the Spaniard categorically denied.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/74801/1/rossi-gibernau-play-down-qatar-controversy |title=Rossi, Gibernau play down Qatar controversy |date=7 October 2004|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi accused Gibernau in 2015 that he was "playing a dirty game".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/motogp-jerez-gibernau-played-dirty-says-rossi |title=MotoGP Jerez: Gibernau 'played dirty' says Rossi|first=David|last=Miller|website=Bikesport News|date=30 April 2015 |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

Since then the two have not spoken and Rossi seemed to use the incident to apply psychological pressure on Gibernau. Rumours of Rossi having sworn that after the Qatar race, which Gibernau won while Rossi crashed out after rising to 6th position, he would do everything to make sure that Gibernau never stood on the highest step of the podium again. However, Rossi has denied these claims.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2009/April/6-12/apr0909-rossi-and-gibernau-make-friends/ |title=Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau end feud|first=Matthew|last=Birt|work=Motor Cycle News|publisher=Bauer Media Group|date=9 April 2009|access-date=4 May 2013}}</ref>

The rivalry between Rossi and Gibernau climaxed at the 2005 round in Jerez. Rossi started from pole position but Gibernau overtook him on the first lap. On the final lap, Gibernau was in the lead, but Rossi tried to overtake him at the final corner – named the Curva Ducados at the time – with both colliding mid-corner. Gibernau ran wide and would finish second whilst Rossi would win the race.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-AZuikiqo| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825102316/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-AZuikiqo| archive-date=25 August 2014 | url-status=dead |title=Remember MotoGP™ Jerez 2005|date=30 April 2013|access-date=24 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> After the incident, Gibernau was furious and refused to comment on the last lap. The Spanish crowd booed Rossi as the Italian national anthem was playing to celebrate his victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/75531/1/gibernau-silent-rossi-says-its-racing |title=Gibernau silent, Rossi says it's racing |date=11 April 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> Rossi commented on the incident, stating that his move had been "hard" but also, "motorbike races sometimes are like this."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/apr/11/motorcycling.motogp |title=Motor cycling: Rossi angers Gibernau|first=Mike|last=Nicks|date=11 April 2005 |website=The Guardian |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

Tensions ended when Gibernau retired from Grand Prix racing after an unsuccessful, injury-blighted 2006 season with Ducati and he never won another race after Qatar, prompting some in the Spanish and Italian motorcycle racing media to explain this fact by way of reference to the "Qatar Curse".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/76568/1/gibernau-to-break-the-curse |title=Gibernau to break 'the curse'?|date=30 September 2005|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

===Late 2000s and early 2010s: Stoner and Lorenzo===
[[File:Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi 2008 Donington Park.jpg|thumb|right|Stoner and Rossi at the 2008 British Grand Prix]]

====Casey Stoner====
Casey Stoner emerged as a rival for Rossi when he moved from the LCR team in 2006 to the official Factory Ducati team in 2007. Over the course of the season, Rossi and Stoner frequently battled for wins – particularly in Catalunya and China – but the young Australian had the better of Rossi in many of the races thanks to his outstanding talent despite the problems with the Ducati, resulting in his claiming of the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title.

Stoner's and Rossi's rivalry came to a dramatic climax at the 2008 United States GP. After numerous position changes, Rossi overtook Stoner at the Corkscrew. The move caused Rossi to run into the dirt and broken pavement on the inside of the right turn, and his rejoining the track came close to causing a collision between the two riders. A few laps later, Stoner went into the gravel on the slow entry into turn 11 whilst outbraking himself, almost crashing into Rossi in the process.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY9mrKR5SkA |title=MotoGP Historic Battles – Rossi vs Stoner Laguna Seca 08'|date=14 February 2013|access-date=24 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> Stoner picked up his bike to finish second, while Rossi took the win. 
When Rossi wanted to shake Stoner's hand in the ''[[parc fermé]]'', he angrily refused. At the press conference, Stoner claimed that some of Rossi's moves were considered "aggressive" but Rossi called it "just racing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/81045/1/rossi-vs-stoner-the-aftermath |title=Rossi vs Stoner – the aftermath |date=21 July 2008|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> After this, Casey Stoner made the comment "I have lost respect for one of the greatest riders in history."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/81097/1/stoner-cools-rossi-row |title=Stoner cools Rossi row |date=14 August 2008|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> For the comment, Stoner apologised to Rossi at the next race.<ref>{{cite news|last=Birt|first=Matthew |url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2008/august/11-17/aug1408-brno-motogp-stoner-apologises-to-rossi/?R=EPI-102309 |title=Brno MotoGP: Stoner apologises to Rossi|publisher=Bauer Media Group|work=Motor Cycle News|date=14 August 2008|access-date=1 March 2010}}</ref>

The rivalry cooled down when Rossi won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009 whilst Stoner struggled with the Ducati for multiple seasons, suffered from a mystery illness and various crashes – despite still battling hard with Rossi on some occasions.

After Rossi moved to the Factory Ducati team and Stoner to the Factory Honda team in 2011, tensions would once again rise at the 2011 Spanish round when Rossi collided with Stoner, causing him to crash out of the race while Rossi got going again and finished fifth. After the race, Rossi went to Stoner to apologise for the incident, who smiled and accepted Rossi's handshake. However, Stoner told Rossi "your ambition outweighs your talent" during the brief exchange, in which he also asked about Rossi's shoulder.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/168047/1/rossi-takes-out-stoner-in-jerez-race |title=Rossi takes out Stoner in Jerez race!|date=3 April 2011|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/168055/1/what-stoner-said-to-rossi-after-jerez-crash |title=What Stoner said to Rossi after Jerez crash. |date=4 April 2011|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Dm9933w0b9g Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20110416004520/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=Dm9933w0b9g Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm9933w0b9g |title=MotoGP Rewind from Jerez|last=MotoGP|date=8 April 2011|access-date=24 April 2019|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Stoner later apologised for this comment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/04/04/stoner-and-rossi-s-thoughts-after-clashing-in-jerez/155459 |title=Stoner and Rossi's thoughts after clashing in Jerez |website=motogp.com|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> After this, tensions between both riders would ease once more when Stoner won his 2011 World Championship title whilst Rossi struggled on an underperforming Ducati for the rest of the season.

However, tensions would rise once more at the 2012 French race where Rossi and Stoner once again came to blows when they battled hard in the wet conditions, with Rossi passing and repassing Stoner on the first corners of the Le Mans track before he permanently overtook him on the last lap to cross the line in second place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/motogp/18137677 |title=MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo wins in France ahead of Valentino Rossi|date=20 May 2012|access-date=24 April 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXjdMESA4w0 |title=Best Battles of 2012: Valentino Rossi vs Casey Stoner in Le Mans|date=20 January 2013|access-date=24 April 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> When Rossi caught Stoner, he thought of his mistake in Jerez last year and was more cautious because of it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/179954/1/rossi-stoner-joke-about-jerez-2011 |title=Rossi, Stoner joke about Jerez 2011|date=22 May 2012|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

Rossi and Stoner's rivalry ended permanently when Stoner retired in 2012 and Rossi returned to the Factory Yamaha team in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/17/casey-stoner-motogp-retires |title=Casey Stoner announces he will retire from MotoGP at end of season|date=17 May 2012 |website=The Guardian |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/182765/1/yamaha-confirm-valentino-rossis-return |title=Yamaha confirm Valentino Rossi's return|date=10 August 2012|website=Crash.net|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

====Jorge Lorenzo====
[[File:Rossi and Lorenzo 2010 French GP.jpg|thumb|right|Jorge Lorenzo and Rossi at the 2010 French Grand Prix]]
In 2008, Jorge Lorenzo joined Rossi in the Factory Yamaha team which started a new rivalry. Initially, relationships were friendly; Rossi won the 2008 title while Lorenzo suffered two serious crashes at Shanghai and Laguna Seca which prevented any serious rivalries from ever starting to begin with, Rossi concentrated more on his rivalry with Casey Stoner at the time.

In 2009, Rossi and Lorenzo resumed hostilities with Rossi emerging as champion again. Over the course of the season, Rossi defeated Lorenzo in several tight battles – such as Assen, Sachsenring, Valencia and, most memorably, Lorenzo's home race in Catalunya. Both were battling hard on the Catalan circuit, with Lorenzo taking the lead on the final lap. Rossi tried to overtake him in the usual spots but failed, with many assuming Lorenzo was going to win the race. However, Rossi managed to pass him going into the final corner, where many assumed overtaking was impossible, to take an unlikely victory.

In 2010, Lorenzo finally emerged victorious in the championship battle after Rossi first injured his shoulder at a motocross accident two weeks before the 2010 Spanish race and then suffered a displaced compound fracture of his right tibia during a free practice fall at the 2010 Italian round, which caused him to miss four races. The most dramatic race of the season came at Motegi when Rossi fought hard with Lorenzo on the final laps of the race for third place, colliding with each other on more than one occasion. Rossi would win the battle, crossing the line in third.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/163911/1/yamaha-rossi-was-too-aggressive.html |title=Yamaha ask Rossi not to repeat Motegi battle|date=4 October 2010|access-date=31 July 2015}}</ref>

After Rossi moved to the Factory Ducati team in 2011, Lorenzo stayed with the Factory Yamaha team and the rivalry cooled down when Rossi underperformed on the Ducati for two seasons while Lorenzo fought for the championship in both years, losing out to Stoner in 2011 but winning his second MotoGP title in 2012.

After Rossi returned to Yamaha in 2013, the rivalry resumed, and came to a boiling point in 2015. Rossi was on course to win his tenth overall title but was narrowly ahead of his teammate Lorenzo, who had closed the gap after the summer break. Going into the penultimate round in Malaysia, Rossi and Márquez had a falling out, causing Márquez to fall and Rossi to resume, finishing third.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/valentino-rossi-kicks-marc-marquez-from-bike-causing-crash-at-motogp-malaysian-grand-prix-a6708336.html |title=Video: Valentino Rossi 'kicks' Marc Marquez from his bike during MotoGP|date=25 October 2015|website=The Independent}}</ref> This decision led to the race direction imposing three penalty points to Rossi and demoting him to the back of the grid at the final round in Valencia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/26/sepangclash-race-direction-verdict-on-rossi-marquez/188434 |title=#SepangClash: Race Direction verdict on Rossi & Marquez|website=motogp.com}}</ref> This was crucial for Rossi's title chances because Lorenzo started on pole and won the race while he crossed the line in fourth place, handing the title to Lorenzo by just five points. Rossi accused both Márquez and Lorenzo, calling this title "a Spanish stitch-up" and "having Marc Márquez as the bodyguard of Lorenzo is embarrassing."<ref name="auto2">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/08/valentino-rossi-jorge-lorenzo-motogp-title-spanish-stitch-up |title=Valentino Rossi calls Jorge Lorenzo's MotoGP title a Spanish stitch-up|agency=Reuters|date=8 November 2015|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

After this, the relationship between Rossi and Lorenzo became sour, though would ease once more when Lorenzo moved to the Factory Ducati team in 2017 whilst Rossi stayed with the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2016/04/21/why-lorenzo-switched-to-ducati/198920 |title=Why Lorenzo switched to Ducati |website=motogp.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/228591/1/rossi-confirms-new-yamaha-deal-until-2018 |title=Rossi confirms new Yamaha deal until 2018|date=19 March 2016|website=Crash}}</ref> In the subsequent seasons the rivalry cooled down as Andrea Dovizioso emerged as the main challenger to Marc Márquez starting with 2017. Rossi only won 1 race since then and Lorenzo 3 all coming in 2018 with Ducati after initially struggling with his new team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/bef0727516934f74b7d593f4b65f9967 |title=Ducati's Lorenzo edges MotoGP champion Marquez in Austria|date=12 August 2018|website=AP NEWS}}</ref>
The rivalry ended when Lorenzo retired from the sport at the end of the 2019 season.

===Mid to late 2010s: Marc Márquez and Maverick Viñales===
====Marc Márquez====
[[File:Marc Márquez and Valentino Rossi 2018 Losail.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi and Márquez shaking each other's hand at parc fermé after finishing in second and third place respectively at the 2018 Qatar Grand Prix, one race before their controversial clash in Argentina]]
In the latter years of his MotoGP career, Rossi has been involved in an often heated rivalry with Spanish rider Marc Márquez. Márquez moved up to the MotoGP category in 2013 and initially the two had a good relationship, with Márquez stating that Rossi had been his childhood idol and that it was a pleasure to battle with him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/27/marc-marquez-valentino-rossi-motogp |title=Marc Márquez: Valentino Rossi was my hero, now it's a pleasure to fight with him|first=Donald|last=McRae|date=27 April 2015|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Their respect for each other took a turn during the 2015 season, starting with a late race collision whilst battling for the lead at the third round in Argentina. Márquez started from pole and created a gap at the opening stages of the race, but Rossi closed him down and a battle commenced. At turn 5, Márquez made contact with Rossi, which resulted in Márquez's bike hitting Rossi's rear tyre, causing him to fall. Márquez could not rejoin, and as a result, Rossi took his second win of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/217930/1/rossi-rules-as-marquez-crashes-on-penultimate-lap |title=Rossi rules as Marquez crashes on penultimate lap|date=19 April 2015|website=Crash}}</ref> Both riders shrugged it off as a racing incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/24/marquez-i-have-a-lot-of-lessons-to-learn/174494 |title=Marquez: "I have a lot of lessons to learn"|website=motogp.com}}</ref> A similar incident occurred at Assen several months later; Márquez lunged up the inside of Rossi at the final chicane on the final lap, Rossi picked the bike up and rode through the gravel, rejoined the track and won the race. Post-race Márquez seemed fairly unbothered by the incident, although his team did appeal the result.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/220532/1/motogp-race-director-talks-rossi-marquez-incident |title=MotoGP Race Director talks Rossi, Marquez incident|date=28 June 2015|website=Crash}}</ref>

Their relationship broke down completely after the penultimate round in Malaysia. Having had a poor season and being out of championship contention, Márquez won at Phillip Island whilst points leader Rossi was only fourth. A week later during the pre-event press conference in Malaysia, Rossi accused Marc of deliberately battling aggressively with him in Australia to cost him time and give an advantage to Rossi's teammate and championship rival Jorge Lorenzo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/10/25/rossi-marquez-would-prefer-lorenzo-to-win/187955 |title=Rossi: "Marquez would prefer Lorenzo to win" |website=motogp.com}}</ref> Tempers reached boiling point in the race, where Márquez ran wide early on, allowing Lorenzo through for second and then had a heated battle with Rossi which lasted for several laps. Coming into turn 14, Rossi ran Márquez to the outside of the corner and they collided at the edge of the track, knocking Márquez out of the race whilst Rossi carried on to finish third.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/224593/1/pedrosa-sepang-drama-bad-for-all-of-us |title=Pedrosa: Sepang drama bad for all of us|date=25 October 2015|website=Crash}}</ref> Post-race, Rossi was penalised by three championship points and by starting from the back of the grid for the championship decider in Valencia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/05/valentino-rossi-motogp-valencia-marc-marquez |title=Valentino Rossi must start last in MotoGP title decider in Valencia|agency=Reuters|date=5 November 2015|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> In that race, Rossi rode from the back to fourth, but Lorenzo took victory with Márquez second to claim the title by 5 points. Márquez was accused by fans to have deliberately defended Lorenzo for the whole race against his own teammate Dani Pedrosa<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/121708/rossi-marquez-embarrassed-motogp |title=Rossi: Marquez embarrassed MotoGP by helping Lorenzo win|website=Autosport.com|date=8 November 2015 }}</ref> and Rossi called this championship a "Spanish stitch-up".<ref name="auto2"/>

Their relationship remained frosty for the beginning of 2016, but the feud came to an end when they shook hands after battling each other in Barcelona to remember Luis Salom, who died after crashing at high speed on the Catalan circuit. However, tempers would again flare two years later, once more in Argentina. Márquez was given a ride-through penalty after he stalled on the grid and retook his original starting position. Whilst riding back through the field in the late stages, he caught Rossi who was running in fifth place. He attempted to overtake into the final corner, but hit a damp patch and collided with Rossi, pushing him off the track and causing him to fall. Márquez crossed the line in fifth but was penalised a further 30 seconds for the incident. After the race, Marquez walked to Rossi's garage to apologise, but Rossi refused to receive him. Instead, one of Rossi's team <!-- Alessio Salucci, known as Uccio -->asked Marquez to leave.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/more-sports/2018/04/08/5aca825e22601d99708b465c.html |title=Argentina MotoGP 2018: Marquez wanted to apologise to Rossi and he wasn´t allowed|date=8 April 2018|website=MARCA in English}}</ref> Later, Rossi stated that Márquez "destroyed our sport" with his aggressive riding.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/rossi-marquez-dangerous-destroyed-our-sport-1023907/1400731/ |title=Enraged Rossi claims Marquez has "destroyed our sport"|website=motorsport.com|date=8 April 2018 }}</ref> He also said, "Marquez needs to get away from me and not look me in the face anymore".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/more-sports/2018/04/08/5aca874e22601d35078b4672.html |title=Argentina MotoGP 2018: Rossi: Marquez needs to get away from me and not look me in the face again|date=8 April 2018|website=MARCA in English}}</ref>

After Argentina, the relationship between the two remained quite poor. At the 2018 San Marino race, Rossi refused to shake Márquez's hand and claimed, "We don't need to shake the hand. We don't have any problem." However, one year later at the 2019 Argentine GP, Rossi and Márquez once more shook each other's hands just before the podium ceremony, indicating that tensions between the riders have eased once more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/917400/1/right-moment-rossi-marquez-handshake |title='Right moment' for Rossi, Marquez handshake|date=12 April 2019|website=Crash}}</ref>

====Maverick Viñales====
[[File:Rossi Marquez Vinales 2016.jpg|thumb|right|Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales during 2016 Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix]]
Compared to other rivals such as Max Biaggi, Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Márquez, [[Maverick Viñales]] is a relatively new rival for Rossi. Since he moved to the MotoGP class in 2015, Viñales has had few interactions with Rossi, especially during his first two seasons with the Suzuki Factory team.

However, when he moved from the Factory Suzuki to the Factory Yamaha team in 2017, the rivalry immediately accelerated in the first two races of the season in Qatar and Argentina, where Viñales won both races while Rossi finished third and second. In Argentina, Rossi took part in his 350th career race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sport.detik.com/moto-gp/d-3458165/momen-momen-terbaik-motogp-qatar-2017|title=Best Moments of MotoGP Qatar 2017|date=27 March 2017|website=Detik|language=id}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bola.net/otomotif/motogp-argentina-2017-grand-prix-ke-350-valentino-rossi-66ed41.html |title=MotoGP Argentina 2017, Valentino Rossi's 350th Race|date=6 April 2017|website=Bola.net|language=id}}</ref> The biggest moment of their rivalry came at Le Mans in 2017 when Rossi and Viñales fought hard for the lead, touching each other several times. On the final lap, Rossi crashed out of the race and Viñales went on to win the race. After the race, Rossi said he felt "cheated" by Viñales because he cut the chicane and lost less time while Rossi tried to gain a gap, despite being penalized for a similar incident two races earlier in America. Another big moment came at the Australian GP with Rossi battling Viñales for second place for most of the race, including the final lap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iwanbanaran.com/2017/05/22/motogp-le-mans-dari-data-telemetri-saat-crash-rossi-ternyata-melaju-lebih-cepat-1-kmjam-dari-biasanya/|title=Motogp Le Mans: From telemetry data, when Rossi crashed he was actually going 1 km/hour faster than usual...|date=22 May 2017|website=Iwan Banaran|language=id}}</ref>

After the Phillip Island battle, the rivalry seemed to die down for most of the 2018 season, but heated up once again in Thailand 2018. The two riders were battling for third place when Rossi tried to go up the inside of Viñales at the final corner on the last lap, which failed and almost took out his teammate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tempo.co/olahraga/hasil-motogp-thailand-marquez-juara-rossi-keempat-809802|title=Thailand MotoGP Results: Marquez Wins, Rossi Fourth|date=7 October 2018|website=Tempo|language=id}}</ref>

After Thailand, there were no further clashes or rivalries in 2019.

==Nicknames==

[[File:The Doctor (4155922729).jpg|thumb|The Doctor, nickname from Rossi]]
[[File:Valentino Rossi 1.JPG|thumb|Rossi at the 2011 Portuguese Grand Prix]]
[[File:Motor Show 2007 Gnocca con la moto di Valentino.jpg|thumb|Rossi's Yamaha YZR-M1 at the 2007 [[Bologna Motor Show]]]]
Since his early racing days Rossi has had numerous nicknames. In the beginning of his career he was known as "Rossifumi" because he was a big fan of Japanese riders, most notably [[Norifumi Abe]], who made a spectacular debut in the 500cc class as a wildcard rider in [[1994 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]].<ref name="auto6">{{cite web|url=https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/modern/2019/1/is-valentino-rossi-ready-to-hang-up-his-helmet/ |title=Is Valentino Rossi ready to hang up his helmet?|website=goodwood.com}}</ref> Rossi saw the race when he was only 14 years old and became a fan of him, which led to him also wanting to become a grand prix motorcycle racing rider in the future. As such, the nickname is a tribute to him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/video_update/2018/10/17/the-way-of-the-rossifumi-vale-s-love-story-with-japan/274473 |title=The Way of the Rossifumi: Vale's love story with Japan |website=motogp.com|date=24 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2008/september/sep2908-rossi-dedicates-title-win-to-norick-abe/ |title=Valentino Rossi dedicates title success to Norick Abe|website=motorcyclenews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedoctor.ru/en/content/why-rossifumi |title=Why Rossifumi? &#124; thedoctor.ru|website=thedoctor.ru}}</ref>

Another nickname Rossi had earlier on in his career, albeit not as known or popular, was "Valentinik".<ref name="auto6"/> This name appeared around the days when he raced in the 250cc championship. The nickname comes from the comic of [[Donald Duck]], in Italian called ''Paperino''. In the comics, he transforms into an alter ego called Super Donald which in Italian translates to ''Paperinik''. This version of Donald Duck sports a mask and a cape and looks just like a super hero, but unlike actual super heroes does not have any luck and wreaks destruction everywhere he goes. However, he also is a funny and likeable character. The nickname is a reference to this Italian superhero, which can also be translated to "Super Valentino".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://valentinorossi46.tripod.com/nicknames.html |title=Nicknames|website=valentinorossi46.tripod.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thedoctor.ru/en/content/why-valentinik |title=Why Valentinik? &#124; thedoctor.ru|website=thedoctor.ru}}</ref>

Since Rossi started to dominate in the 500cc, later known as MotoGP, "The Doctor" has become the nickname of choice for Rossi. Although not common in English-speaking countries, the nickname is given to those as a sign of respect. Two theories prevail as to why Rossi uses this name. One is that Rossi adopted the nickname upon having earned a degree, which in Italy entitles one to use the title "Doctor". Another, as spoken by Graziano Rossi himself, "The Doctor because, I don't think there is a particular reason, but it's beautiful, and is important, The Doctor. And in Italy, The Doctor is a name you give to someone for respect, it's very important, The Doctor... important."<ref>{{cite video|people=Rossi, Graziano|year=2003 |title=Faster (2003)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368721|medium=Motion picture|publisher=Dorna Sports|location=Madrid, Spain|access-date=7 August 2010}}</ref> Rossi often jokes, however, that the name arrived because in Italy, Rossi is a common surname for doctors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedoctor.ru/en/content/why-the-doctor |title=Why The Doctor? &#124; thedoctor.ru|website=thedoctor.ru}}</ref>

He has always raced with the number 46 in his motorcycle grand prix career, the number his father had raced with in the first of his three grand prix career wins in 1979, in Yugoslavia, on a 250c [[Morbidelli]]. Typically, a World Championship winner is awarded the No. 1 sticker for the next season. However, in a homage to Britain's [[Barry Sheene]], who was the first rider of the modern era to keep the same number (#7), Rossi has stayed with the now-famous No. 46 throughout his career, though as the world champion he has worn the No. 1 on the shoulder of his racing leathers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2008/october/oct3008-valentino-rossi-to-keep-46/ |title=Valentino Rossi won't ditch famous number 46|website=motorcyclenews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedoctor.ru/en/content/why-46 |title=Why 46? &#124; thedoctor.ru|website=thedoctor.ru}}</ref>

The text on his helmet's visors refers to the name of his group of friends: "The Tribe of the Chihuahua", in Italian "Tribu Dei Chihuahua". This is also a reference to a tribe of natives found in the [[Chihuahua (state)|Mexican state of Chihuahua]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/the-true-stories-behind-valentino-rossis-wild-helmets |title=Valentino Rossi Helmets: The True Story Behind the Wild Designs|website=bikebandit.com|access-date=23 August 2020|archive-date=16 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116091514/https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/the-true-stories-behind-valentino-rossis-wild-helmets|url-status=dead}}</ref> The letters WLF on his leathers stand for "Viva La Figa", Italian for "Long Live Pussy".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedoctor.ru/en/content/what-does-wlf-mean |title=What does WLF mean? &#124; thedoctor.ru|website=thedoctor.ru}}</ref> He has so far escaped any sanctions or ultimatums that he remove the letters because the "W" in "WLF" represents the two "V"s in "ViVa". Equally obvious is his success at escaping any disciplinary action from the FIM or Dorna Sports for having the letters so brazenly on the front neck area of his leathers. He traditionally also incorporates his favorite color (fluorescent yellow) into his leather designs. This has also earned him the nickname "Highlighter Pen".{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Fellow motorcycle racer and former teammate Colin Edwards, as well as many well known riders, commentators and journalists have often referred to him as 'the GOAT' (Greatest of all Time).<ref>{{cite video|year=2003 |title=Fastest (2003)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368721|medium=Motion picture|publisher=Dorna Sports|location=Madrid, Spain|access-date=7 August 2010}}</ref>

==Other motorsport activities==
===Suzuka 8 Hours===
[[File:2001 Suzuka 8 Hours' Honda VTR1000SPW.jpg|thumb|Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi's bike no#11 Cabin-Honda VTR1000SPW, winner of 2001 Suzuka 8 Hours]]
Apart from MotoGP, the motorcycle racing event that Valentino Rossi has participated is the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC). However, he did not fully participate in the championship, but has participated in one of its series which is also a prestigious motorcycle race and the most physically and mentally demanding, the Suzuka 8 Hours in Japan. He took part in the event in 2000, teaming up with Colin Edwards and riding a Honda. Unfortunately, they failed to finish. In 2001, Rossi and Edwards teamed up for revenge, and eventually won the title. He also became the first Italian rider in history to win the race.2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://honda.racing/ewc/post/8-hours-history-0009|title=Honda's Suzuka 8 Hours Challenge ③ 2000 - 2009|website=honda.racing|date=2 July 2024|access-date=8 January 2025}}</ref>

===Formula One===
Rossi tested the Ferrari Formula One car in 2006 from 31 January to 2 February at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. The first test saw Rossi spin out on the damp track into the gravel trap, ending his day. On the second day, he posted the ninth fastest time of fifteen drivers, approximately one second behind [[Michael Schumacher]], who himself was third fastest. Rossi lapped faster than seasoned drivers [[Red Bull Racing]]'s [[Mark Webber (racing driver)|Mark Webber]] and [[David Coulthard]] and [[Toyota F1]]'s [[Jarno Trulli]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Feb/060201a.htm |title=Soup :: Rossi Ninth in F1 Test Today; Feb 2006 |publisher=Superbikeplanet.com |date=1 February 2006 |access-date=1 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617074158/http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Feb/060201a.htm |archive-date=17 June 2009 }}</ref> On the final day of testing, Rossi was just a little more than a half second behind Schumacher's best time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Feb/060202o.htm |title=Soup :: Rossi Faster on Four Wheels |publisher=Superbikeplanet.com |date=2 February 2006 |access-date=1 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020151558/http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Feb/060202o.htm |archive-date=20 October 2011 }}</ref> Schumacher hailed Rossi as having immense talent and said he would be perfectly capable of moving to Formula One and being competitive immediately.

In May 2006, Rossi announced that he would be staying in MotoGP until he felt his work on the motorbike was "finished". Ferrari driver Schumacher said that he felt "saddened" by Rossi's decision but supported it. Rossi subsequently signed a new contract with Yamaha for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, then for 2009 and 2010.

In 2008, Rossi tested a [[Ferrari F2008]] at [[Mugello Circuit]] on 20 and 21 November 2008, as a gift from Ferrari team principal [[Stefano Domenicali]] to celebrate his eighth world title. On the first day Rossi completed over 20 laps, and set a best time of 1:22.5, only 1.5 seconds off [[Kimi Räikkönen]]'s best time set at Ferrari's previous Mugello test.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rossi in Rosso: MotoGP star drives Ferrari F2008 at Mugello |date=2 February 2014 |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/rossi-in-rosso-motogp-star-drives-ferrari-f2008-at-mugello/2/ |access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref> The second day was interrupted by rain, but Rossi still managed to set a best time of 1:24.04.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valentino Rossi on track with Scuderia at Mugello |url=https://formula1.ferrari.com/en/happened-today-11-21/ |website=Ferrari Formula 1 |access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Ferrari F2008.jpg|thumb|right|Ferrari F2008, the car Rossi used for the F1 test at the Mugello in 2008 and at the [[Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya|Catalunya]] in 2010.]]
In January 2010, Rossi has said that once he retires from motorcycle racing, he hopes to move into rallying. "There are not many changes in a man's body between 22 and 34 so I still have some time left. I would consider shifting to cars, probably rallying, after that before I finally decide to take it easy ... I know F1 would've been easier but by the time I finish MotoGP, I will be too old for F1."<ref name="reuters 2010">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKB62934420100111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114053320/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKB62934420100111 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2010 |title=Rossi Staying on Two Wheels for Now|last=Rajan|first=Sanjay |editor=Patrick Johnson |date=11 January 2010|work=Reuters|access-date=14 January 2010}}</ref> Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari's Formula One Team principal, however, reasserted his wish to have a third Ferrari on the F1 grid driven by Rossi, whilst confirming that Rossi would test an older Ferrari F1 car on 21 and 22 January 2010.<ref name="reuters ferrari 2010">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE60C17B20100113?sp=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125205508/https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE60C17B20100113?sp=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 November 2020 |title=Motor racing-Ferrari remain cautious ahead of car launch|last=Meadows|first=Mark |editor=Justin Palmer |date=13 January 2010|work=Reuters|access-date=14 January 2010}}</ref> At the aforementioned test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Rossi once again drove a Ferrari F2008 on [[GP2 Series|GP2]] tyres, setting a best laptime within 0.1 seconds of Kimi Räikkönen's [[2008 Spanish Grand Prix|2008]] pole time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rossi stuns with F1 test pace |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport/rossi-stuns-f1-test-pace |website=Autocar |access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>

In December 2019, Rossi got the chance to swap rides with then six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, as part of a sponsor event. He completed several laps in a 2017 Mercedes AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+, while Hamilton rode a Yamaha YZR-M1, identical to the one Rossi rode in the 2019 MotoGP season. Press were locked out of the event, so laptimes weren't made public.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamilton, Rossi complete long-awaited F1/MotoGP ride-swap |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/147580/rossi-hamilton-complete-longawaited-rideswap |website=Autosport |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=#LH44VR46 test: Did Lewis Hamilton crash Valentino's MotoGP bike? |url=https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/watch-lh44vr46-test-did-lewis-hamilton-crash-valentinos-motogp-bike-20191212-2 |website=Wheels24 |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>

===Monza Rally Show===
[[File:MONZA RALLY 2013 - VALENTINO ROSSI 2.JPG|thumb|right|Rossi competing at Monza Rally Show in 2013]]
In 2018, Valentino Rossi claimed the Monza Rally Show title for the seventh time,  driving a [[Ford Fiesta|Ford Fiesta WRC]] car. The Italian passed the record of five time winners [[Rinaldo Capello]], [[Sebastien Loeb]] and [[Robert Kubica]].
With his latest victory, Rossi was the fastest driver four consecutive times. He has collected titles from 2006, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 while participating in this rally since 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/valentino-rossi-wins-record-sixth-monza-rally-show/|title=Valentino Rossi Wins Record Sixth Monza Rally Show|publisher=www.roadracingworld.com|date=4 December 2017|access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref>

===Rally===
[[File:Wales Rally Gb 2008 Valentino Rossi.JPG|thumb|right|Rossi competing on the shakedown stage for the [[2008 Rally GB]]]]
Beyond his interest in F1, Rossi's strong passion is for rallying. In Rossi's youth one of his heroes was WRC Champion [[Colin McRae]]. Rally legend McRae taught Rossi the basics of driving a rally car.<ref name="scouk.net">{{cite web | url = http://www.scouk.net/colinmcrae/rip/| title = Colin Steele McRae MBE | access-date = 12 April 2008}}</ref> The two competed against each other at the 2005 Monza Rally Show, with McRae driving a Skoda Fabia WRC and Rossi winning in a Subaru Impreza WRC.<ref name="McRae v Rossi">{{cite web| url = http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2005/Rossi+beats+McRae+in+Monza+Rally+Showdown| title = Rossi beats McRae in Monza Rally Showdown| publisher = MotoGP.com| access-date = 28 August 2008| archive-date = 3 February 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120203230409/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2005/Rossi+beats+McRae+in+Monza+Rally+Showdown| url-status = dead}}</ref> His first official foray into rallying came in 2002 at WRC [[Rally Great Britain]] in a Peugeot 206 WRC, in which he crashed out on the second stage (first non-superspecial stage). Rossi had competed in the Monza Rally Show several times in a [[Toyota Corolla WRC]].

In October 2006 it was announced that Rossi would enter that year's [[Rally New Zealand]], a World Rally Championship (WRC) event, which was to run from 17 to 19 November.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/1115/rossiv.html |title=Rossi enters New Zealand rally|work=RTÉ Sport|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|date=15 November 2006|access-date=24 July 2010}}</ref> He competed in a [[Subaru Impreza WRC]]04 finishing 11th out of 39. In 2006 Rossi also won the Monza Rally Show driving a [[Ford Focus RS WRC|Ford Focus RS WRC 04]]. He beat the 2005 winner Rinaldo Capello by 24 seconds, winning five of the seven stages on his way. He also managed to outpace former WRC champion [[Didier Auriol]] by seven seconds in the head-to-head Master Show final. Rossi also announced at the 2006 Monza Rally Show, that he would be entering the 2007 [[Rally of Great Britain]], however, he later opted out. At the 2007 Monza Rally, Rossi again took first place.

Rossi had been linked with a move to both Formula One and the World Rally Championship in 2007, having tested for Ferrari and competed in a number of rally events.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/57063 |title=WRC News: Rossi would consider Fiat WRC drive |website=Autosport.com |date= 6 March 2007|access-date=1 March 2010}}</ref>

But Rossi decided to remain in MotoGP; "I have a contract with Yamaha until 2008", said Rossi. "When that finishes then we will see. What I am sure about is that I will ride until I'm 31 or 32 at most. I will look for new stimuli in the next few seasons, but for now I am fully motivated."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713121746/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09072007/58/german-gp-rossi-quit-2010.html|url-status=dead |title=Yahoo UK & Ireland – Sports News &#124; Live Scores &#124; Results|archive-date=13 July 2007|website=uk.sports.yahoo.com}}</ref> Rossi signed a new two-year contract confirming he will be at Yamaha until 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7515302.stm |title=Rossi signs new Yamaha contract|access-date= 19 July 2008 |publisher=BBC News | date=19 July 2008}}</ref>  He originally planned to use the Impreza WRC2008 during his participation in the [[Rally GB]] in December 2008,<ref>{{cite news|first=Scott|last=Coursey |title=Valentino Rossi to use Subaru World Rally Team S14 WRC on Wales Rally GB 2008|work=Rallybuzz|publisher=Stagetimes|date=3 October 2008|url=http://www.rallybuzz.com/valentino-rossi-subaru-rally-gb/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717144624/http://www.rallybuzz.com/valentino-rossi-subaru-rally-gb/|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2011|access-date=22 September 2010}}</ref>  but decided to drive a Ford Focus RS WRC 07 instead.<ref>{{cite news | title = Rossi set to drive Ford in Rally GB | url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71660 | work = Autosport.com | date = 23 October 2008}}</ref> He finished the rally in 12th place, 13 minutes and 20.4 seconds behind eventual winner [[Sébastien Loeb]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Rally GB final timesheet | url = http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2008&rally_id=GB | work = wrc.com | date = 7 December 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081207040757/http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2008&rally_id=GB | archive-date = 7 December 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

In March 2010, the Italian minister [[Franco Frattini]] government awarded Rossi the first Winning Italy Award for the image he portrays of his country on an international level.<ref name="winningitaly">{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/03/13/rossi-distinguished-by-italian-government-with-award/152148 |title=Rossi distinguished by Italian government with award|date=12 March 2010|work=motogp.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=13 March 2010}}</ref>

===Blancpain Endurance Series===
In 2012, Rossi participated in the [[Blancpain Endurance Series]] Pro-Am Cup with the [[Kessel Racing|Kessel Racing Team]], driving a [[Ferrari 458 Italia|Ferrari 458 Italia GT3]]. In that season he had only two races, the first series in [[Monza Circuit|Monza]] and the fifth series in the [[Nürburgring]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/gtwce-endurance/news/blancpain-endurance-series-welcomes-the-return-of-valentino-rossi-for-n-rburgring/426471/ |title=Blancpain Endurance Series welcomes the return of Valentino Rossi for Nürburgring}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Gulf 12 Hour===
Later in the same week after Rossi got the chance to swap rides with six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in a [[Mercedes AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+|2017 Mercedes AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+]], Rossi competed in the [[2019 Gulf 12 Hours]] at [[Yas Marina Circuit]], behind the wheel of a [[Ferrari 488 GT3]] owned by [[Kessel Racing]]. His co-drivers were his half-brother and Moto2 rider, [[Luca Marini]], and Alessio Salucci. Rossi set the team's fastest laptime in qualifying, securing seventh place overall on the grid. Despite a shaky start with some lost positions, the team were in the lead of the Pro-Am class at the halfway point. A few technical issues in the Pro-class left the VR46 car in a battle for the final overall podium place with Spirit Race Team's [[Audi R8 (Type 4S)#R8 LMS (GT3)|Audi R8 LMS]]. Rossi got into the car for the final stint and drove the car to an overall third place and a win in the Pro-Am class, despite picking up a five-second time penalty.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rossi thrilled with Gulf 12 Hours podium, class victory |url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/935135/1/rossi-thrilled-gulf-12-hours-podium-class-victory |website=Crash |date=15 December 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>

In January 2021, he and his co-drivers Luca Marini and Alessio Salucci, driving a 488 GT3, competed in the [[2020 Gulf 12 Hours]] at the [[Bahrain International Circuit]] and won the third podium.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/01/11/rossi-and-marini-secure-podium-finish-in-gulf-12-hours/360205 |title=Rossi and Marini secure podium finish in Gulf 12 Hours |date=11 January 2021}}</ref>

In December 2023, Rossi finished second on the podium at the [[2023 Gulf 12 Hours|Gulf 12 Hours]] at [[Yas Marina Circuit|Abu Dhabi]], the season finale of the [[2023 Intercontinental GT Challenge]] driving the [[BMW M4 GT3]] with [[Team WRT]]. In the end, Rossi and teammates [[Dries Vanthoor]] and [[Nick Yelloly]] missed out on victory by 12 seconds to the [[Mercedes-AMG GT3]] driven by [[Maro Engel]], [[Luca Stolz]] and [[Mikael Grenier]]. Rossi led the race after 7.5 hours, then maintained his lead for an hour, when he then handed it over to Yelloly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0438734EN/igtc-finale-in-abu-dhabi:-second-place-on-the-podium-for-46-bmw-m4-gt3-at-the-gulf-12-hours |title=IGTC finale in Abu Dhabi: Second place on the podium for #46 BMW M4 GT3 at the Gulf 12 Hours |date=10 December 2023}}</ref>

===Motocross & Flat Track===
Not only does he love the world of road racing and all-terrain car racing, Rossi is also known to love the motocross arena. In flat track racing, Rossi has won several times the 'La 100&nbsp;km dei Campioni' racing event which he holds at Motor Ranch every year and is attended by members of the VR46 Riders Academy and professional motorcycle racers from other events. In this race, Rossi has won fifth times, namely in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/events/riding-with-rossi-vr46-ranch-dainese|title=Riding with Rossi at his ranch. |website=bennets.co.uk |date=2 November 2020|access-date=8 January 2025}}</ref>

=== Bathurst 12 Hour ===
Valentino Rossi has raced at the [[Bathurst 12 Hour]] endurance race at Mount Panorama in Australia for [[2023 Bathurst 12 Hour|2023]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodwin |first1=Graham |title=BMW Team WRT Confirm Plans For Dubai 24H, Bathurst 12H & GT World Challenge Europe |url=https://www.dailysportscar.com/2022/12/16/bmw-team-wrt-confirm-plans-for-dubai-24h-bathurst-12h-and-gt-world-challenge-europe.html |website=dailysportscar |access-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217000319/https://www.dailysportscar.com/2022/12/16/bmw-team-wrt-confirm-plans-for-dubai-24h-bathurst-12h-and-gt-world-challenge-europe.html |archive-date=17 December 2022 |date=16 December 2022}}</ref> and [[2024 Bathurst 12 Hour|2024]]<ref>{{cite web |title=CHALLENGEWRT Confirms Bathurst Bid; Marciello to Make BMW Debut |url=https://sportscar365.com/sro/igtc/wrt-confirms-bathurst-bid-marciello-to-make-bmw-debut/ |website=sportscar365 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112112635/https://sportscar365.com/sro/igtc/wrt-confirms-bathurst-bid-marciello-to-make-bmw-debut/ |archive-date=12 January 2024 |date=12 January 2024}}</ref> achieving results of 6th and 5th.

=== Other events ===

==== Isle of Man ====
In 2009, Rossi made a guest appearance at the 2009 Isle of Man TT. At that time he only participated in a parade around the [[Isle of Man TT Mountain Course|Snaefell Mountain Course Circuit]] riding the [[YZF-R1]]. Then, he was offered again as a guest at the 2016 Isle of Man TT but was unable to.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/148082/1/valentino-rossi-enjoys-isle-of-man-tt-visit|title=Valentino Rossi enjoys Isle of Man TT visit.|website=crash.net |date=9 June 2009|access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>

==== Goodwood Festival of Speed====
[[File:Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015 (26640178332).jpg|thumb|right|Valentino Rossi at [[Goodwood Festival of Speed]] in 2015]]
In 2015 after winning the MotoGP race held at the TT Circuit Assen, Valentino Rossi made a special guest appearance at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. The festival is themed around nostalgia and pride in fostering interest in motorsport, where Yamaha Motor Co, Ltd is also celebrating its 60th anniversary. Rossi appeared in public wearing a special yellow livery to commemorate Yamaha Motor's 60th anniversary with [[Kenny Roberts]], Giacomo Agostini and [[Phil Read]]. He then rode the [[YZR-M1]] up the hill for 1.16 miles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/99354/yamaha-motor-and-valentino-rossi-debut-at-2015-goodwood-festival-of-speed|title=Yamaha Motor and Valentino Rossi Debut at 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.|website=antaranews.com |date=29 June 2015|access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref> 
Besides riding the Yamaha YZR-M1, Rossi also drives a [[Mazda 787B]] that won Le Mans in [[1991 24 Hours of Le Mans|1991]], a rally car Group B [[Lancia Rally 037]], and a endurance race car Group C [[Porsche 962]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/rossi-makes-his-goodwood-debut/|title=Rossi makes his Goodwood debut.|website=drivencarguide.co.nz |date=29 June 2015|access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref>

==== World Superbike test====
Rossi took part in the [[2024 Superbike World Championship|2024 WorldSBK]] pre-season test held in [[Portimao]], [[Portugal]] in January 2024. Located at the [[Autodromo Internacional Algarve]], which has a 4,592-meter track, Valentino Rossi recorded a time of 1:44.703 seconds on the YZF-R1.  In addition, he took part in the test with several other MotoGP riders and riders from the VR46 Racing Academy.
Valentino Rossi's time record was obtained during the 49th round of a total of 50 laps performed, 4.790 seconds adrift of WorldSBK debutant [[Nicolò Bulega]] as the official rider of Aruba.it-Ducati Racing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1043888/1/marc-marquezs-test-time-today-secret-he-shares-track-valentino-rossi|title=Marc Marquez's test time today a secret as he shares track with Valentino Rossi.|website=crash.net |date=30 January 2024|access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref>

====Monster Energy event====
In June 2024, Valentino Rossi shared the track with a lineup of [[Monster Energy]] riders at the [[Silverstone Circuit]], [[England]]. The energy drink company that sponsors many riders and racing teams gathers all its athletes in one event and not only riders from MotoGP, but also from other championships. Rossi was seen accompanied by MotoGP riders who were also educated by the VR46 Riders Academy, such as [[Marco Bezzecchi]], [[Fabio Di Giannantonio]], [[Francesco Bagnaia]], and Franco Morbidelli. In addition, there were also Monster Energy riders from [[World Superbike]] (WorldSBK), such as [[Jonathan Rea]] and [[Andrea Locatelli (motorcyclist)|Andrea Locatelli]] from Yamaha, as well as Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega from Ducati, and [[Supersport World Championship|World Supersports]] rider [[Adrián Huertas]]. Including riders from the [[Isle of Man TT]], namely [[Michael Dunlop]], [[John McGuinness (motorcyclist)|John McGuinness]], to [[Peter Hickman]], some other MotoGP riders such as Fabio Quartararo, Álex Rins, Cal Crutchlow, and other riders as [[Darryn Binder]] and John Hopkins. Footage uploaded to social media shows Rossi leading the riders on the Silverstone track. Rossi rides a Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1050862/1/valentino-rossi-michael-dunlop-john-mcguinness-motogp-stars-track-silverstone|title=Valentino Rossi, Michael Dunlop, John McGuinness, MotoGP stars on track at Silverstone.|website=crash.net |date=21 June 2024|access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref>

====Yamaha event====
In July 2024, Valentino Rossi had the opportunity to ride [[Eddie Lawson]] bike [[Yamaha YZR500]] 1987 at [[Circuito de Jerez|Jerez]] in a Yamaha Racing Heritage Club event. Rossi was joined by Yamaha's World Superbike line-up, including six-time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea and other riders [[Niccolò Canepa]], [[Luca Cadalora]], Andrea Locatelli, and [[Dominique Aegerter]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1051650/1/valentino-rossi-rides-eddie-lawsons-iconic-bike-and-yamaha-wsbk-machine|title=Valentino Rossi rides Eddie Lawson's iconic bike and Yamaha WSBK machine.|website=crash.net |date=4 July 2024|access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref>

==Racing academy==
Rossi founded a racing school with the name VR46 Racing Academy. This academy is a place for training and growth of young Italian drivers which was founded in 2014 in Tavullia, Italy. The VR46 provides the experience and knowledge that Valentino Rossi has gained over the years of his career. VR46 Riders Academy has an experienced team. Alessio Salucci managed relations with the team, Alberto Tebaldi was responsible for logistics and external relations, Luca Brivio for the operational management of the drivers, Carlo Casabianca for physical preparation, Claudio Sanchioni for contractual aspects, and Barbara Mazzoni for secretarial and administrative services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vr46.com/en-fe/pages/vr46riders-academy|title= VR46 Riders Academy|website=vr46riders-academy.com|access-date=8 January 2025| language=it}}</ref>

===Master Camp===

[[File:FIM CEV 2018 Valencia I (17).jpg|thumb|Daniel Valle (3rd in photos) ride the VR46 Master Camp Team, KTM at the Valencia FIM CEV 2018]]
The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team is a project that began in 2016 to help young racing talent: 
* Training camps
The project started with a five-day training program in Tavullia, Italy, held every couple of years. 
* VR46 Junior Team
In 2017, the project expanded to include the VR46 Junior Team, which gave Master Camp recruits and Yamaha bLU cRU riders a chance to gain racing experience in Europe. 
CEV Moto3 Junior team
The team moved up from the Moto3 class to the Moto2 class in 2019. 
* Moto2 World Championship
In 2022, the team entered the Moto2 World Championship with rookie riders Manuel Gonzalez and Keminth Kubo. 
The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team and its partners, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and VR46, will end their collaboration at the end of the 2024 Moto2 World Championship. The team's 2024 riders are [[Ayumu Sasaki]] and [[Jeremy Alcoba]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yamaha-racing.com/series/grand-prix/moto2/teams/vr46-master-camp-team/ |title= YAMAHA VR46 MASTER CAMP TEAM|website=yamaha-racing.com|access-date=8 January 2025| language=en}}</ref>

==Team ownership==
[[File:Celestino Vietti Catalunya 2019.jpg|thumb|right|[[Celestino Vietti]] rides a bike owned by Rossi's team at Catalunya 2019]]
Rossi is the owner of the junior-class team [[Sky Racing Team by VR46]], which debuted in the [[Moto3]] category of Grand Prix motorcycle racing in [[2014 Moto3 Series season|2014]] with riders [[Romano Fenati]] and Francesco Bagnaia with his former Cagiva teammate Vittoriano Guareschi as team manager.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/04/01/guareschi-a-father-to-fenati-and-bagnaia/163730 |title=Guareschi – A 'father' to Fenati and Bagnaia |publisher=motogp.com |access-date=20 May 2021 }}</ref> In [[2015 Moto3 Series season|2015]], [[Andrea Migno]] replaced Francesco Bagnaia and Guareschi was replaced by Alessio 'Uccio' Salucci and Carlo Alberto Tebaldi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/09/04/management-changes-at-sky-racing-team-vr46/165007 |title=Management changes at SKY Racing Team VR46 |publisher=motogp.com |access-date=20 May 2021 }}</ref> The team also races in [[Moto2]]. In 2020, it was announced that Rossi's brand VR46 would back one machine from the [[Esponsorama Racing|Esponsorama Avintia]] team in the 2021 MotoGP season, to be ridden by his half-brother, Luca Marini.<ref>[https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/950071/1/luca-marini-unveils-sky-racing-italia-vr46-livery-2021-motogp-debut Luca Marini unveils SKY Racing Italia VR46 livery for 2021 MotoGP debut] ''crash.net'', 10 December 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2021</ref>

VR46 Riders Academy began to reap the "investment" results through several academy drivers, including Franco Morbidelli who became the [[2017 Moto2 World Championship|2017]] world champion and then finished as the [[2020 MotoGP World Championship|2020]] MotoGP runner-up. This achievement was then repeated by Francesco Bagnaia who became the [[2018 Moto2 World Championship|2018]] Moto2 world champion and then finished second in the 2021 MotoGP final standings. Until finally, Bagnaia ended the long wait for VR46 Academy by becoming the [[2022 MotoGP World Championship|2022]] MotoGP world champion.

In addition, there are several other names who have managed to compete at the top of the standings, such as Luca Marini who was runner-up in Moto2 [[2020 Moto2 World Championship|2020]], Marco Bezzecchi who managed to get third in the final Moto2 [[2021 Moto2 World Championship|2021]] standings, and several other riders in academy.

In the 2020 season, the [[VR46 Racing Team|Sky Racing VR46]] won the Moto2 teams championship by taking first place in the final standings after leading the standings with 380 points.

==Collaboration team==
In addition to leading his own team, Rossi collaborates with several others to attract young racers through various programs.

===Team Bardahl VR46 Riders Academy===
The team competes in the CIV Italian Championships Series in collaboration with [[Bardahl]] as the main sponsor. In the [[2021 Moto3 World Championship|2021 season]] the team got a wildcard to race in two Moto3 series, at [[2021 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Mugello]] and [[2021 San Marino and Rimini Riviera motorcycle Grand Prix|Misano]]. This team races using [[KTM]] bikes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/gallery/2021/05/28/team-bardahl-vr46-riders-academy/375116 |title=Team Bardahl VR46 Riders Academy &#124; MotoGP™|date=24 May 2024 }}</ref>

===Yamaha VR46 MasterCamp Team===
He also runs a program to nurture young riders called VR46 MasterCamp. In collaboration with Yamaha, the team competed in the CEV Moto2 Championships for several years under the name Yamaha VR46 MasterCamp. Starting [[2022 Moto2 World Championship|2022 season]], this team will debuted in Moto2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/09/23/moto2-and-moto3-teams-accepted-for-2022/395315 |title=Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams accepted for 2022|website=www.motogp.com|date=23 September 2021 }}</ref>

===Avintia VR46 Riders Academy===
Starting from the [[2022 Moto3 World Championship|2022 season]], the VR46 Racing Team will also return to Moto3 and work closely with Esponsorama Avintia. Then the Avintia Racing team changed its name to Avintia VR46 Riders Academy, the result of a collaboration between Avintia Racing and VR46 Riders Academy, which is likely to place several VR46 racers in the team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fim-moto.com/en/news/news-detail/article/moto3-and-moto2-teams-accepted-for-2022 |title=Moto3 and Moto2 Teams Accepted for 2022|date=23 September 2021 }}</ref>

===RMU Moto VR46 Academy===
This team is the outcome of a collaboration between the VR46 Riders Academy and RMU Moto from Italy. They compete in the CIV PreMoto3, featuring young riders trained at the VR46 Riders Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rmumoto.com/en/ |title=Racing passion into profession |publisher=RMU Moto |date= |access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref>

==Helmets and protective gear==
{{BLP sources section|date=September 2017}}
[[File:Valentino Rossi's AGV helmets.jpg|thumbnail|right|Various helmets used by Rossi]]
Rossi has gone through numerous helmet designs throughout his career, most featuring the Sun & Moon motif, signifying (according to Rossi) the two sides of his personality. His helmets are manufactured by AGV.<ref name="AGVRossihelmets">{{cite web |url=http://store.agv.com/c/valentino-rossi-helmets |title=AGV Official Valentino Rossi helmets |publisher=AGV |access-date=15 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922070643/http://store.agv.com/c/valentino-rossi-helmets|archive-date=22 September 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Aldo Drudi was associated with Rossi's helmet graphics in 2010. Nearly every year, Rossi works with Aldo Drudi to design a unique helmet to use while racing at the Italian and San Marino Grand Prix.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/breaking-news/a-look-back-at-the-special-helmets-valentino-rossi-has-used-for-the-italian-motogp-grand-prix/news-story/23f63e83541373762ecf211b6d40a051 |title=A look back at the special helmets Valentino Rossi has used for the Italian MotoGP Grand Prix |date=29 May 2015 |access-date=25 July 2018}}</ref>

Since commencing his Grand Prix career, Rossi has worn leathers from [[Dainese]]. In {{MGP|1996}} and {{MGP|1997}}, [[Alpinestars]] was a sponsor on his bike, but did not supply Rossi with leathers. Alpinestars just supplied racing boots for Rossi. After Rossi joined the Yamaha factory team, the team wore shirts from Alpinestars, while Rossi maintained his association with Dainese. In {{MGP|2011}} and {{MGP|2012}}, Rossi was a member of the Ducati factory team, where the team wore shirts from [[Puma SE|Puma]], while Rossi still maintained his association with Dainese.

In March 2022 Rossi has announced a multi-year partnership with Racing Force Group, which would see Rossi use [[OMP Racing|OMP]] race suit and [[Bell Sports|Bell]] helmets in his car racing career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Racing Force, multi-year partnership with Valentino Rossi for his new career on four wheels |url=https://www.ompracing.com/news_vr46eng |access-date=18 September 2022 |website=www.ompracing.com}}</ref>

==Pre-ride rituals==
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2010 Qatar GP 1.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi at the 2010 Qatar Grand Prix]]
Rossi is superstitious and renowned for his pre-ride rituals. On a race day, he will always watch the beginning of the Moto3 race to see how long the starting lights remain lit before going out at the start of the race. Prior to riding (whether racing, qualifying, or practice), he will start his personal ritual by stopping about two metres from his bike, bending over and reaching for his boots. Then, when arriving at his bike, he will crouch down and hold the right-side foot-peg, with his head bowed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/valentino-rossi-motogp-rituals-from-circuit-of-the-americas-austin |title= Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Rituals|date=26 April 2017|author=Zack Courts|publisher=Motorcyclist Online|access-date=25 July 2018}}</ref> In an interview, Rossi said "It's just a moment to focus and 'talk' to my bike, like moving from one place to the next".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbio.com/Valentino+Rossi/articles/VyUzAroFUYH/Zimbio+Exclusive+Interview+Valentino+Rossi |title=Zimbio Exclusive: Interview with Valentino Rossi |work=Zimbio |publisher=Zimbio.com |access-date=1 March 2010}}</ref> He adjusts the fit of his leathers by standing straight up on the foot-pegs, whilst riding down the pit-lane before the start of race or practice. He also revealed in an interview with MotoGP.com that he always puts one particular boot on before the other, as well as one particular glove on before the other, and that he always gets on the bike the same way. He also gets off the bike in the same way, swinging his right leg over the front of the bike.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2018/01/18/racing-together-superstition/248214 |title= Racing Together: Superstition|author=Matthew Miles|publisher=MotoGP|date=18 July 2018|access-date=25 July 2018}}</ref>

==Personal life==
After leaving the family home in Tavullia, he moved to Milan, before taking up residency in London, England during his period with Honda. During this time he acquired a villa in [[Ibiza]] which he still owns,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2752342/Valentino-Rossi-two-wheels-god.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2752342/Valentino-Rossi-two-wheels-god.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Valentino Rossi: two wheels god|author=Rory Ross|work=Daily Telegraph|date=17 May 2008|access-date=15 August 2010|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and following the tax case returned to his main residence to live close to his family in Italy. Rossi is a practising Catholic.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mcnews.com.au/rossi-a-little-more-of-an-insight-to-the-world-champion/ |title=Rossi&nbsp;– A little more of an insight to the World Champion|date=22 October 2002|access-date=16 October 2014|publisher=MCNews|work=MCNews.com.au}}</ref>

Though Tavullia falls in the Marche region on the border with [[Emilia-Romagna]], Rossi has been known to identify also with the historical region of [[Romagna]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 July 2012 |title=Provincia unica di Romagna, il capoluogo sarebbe Forlì |trans-title=Single province of Romagna: The capital would be Forlì |url=https://www.riminitoday.it/cronaca/provincia-unica-romagna-forli-capoluogo.html |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=RiminiToday |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2008 |title=Valentino: "Macché Brad Pitt, mi sento solo un ragazzo pesarese" |trans-title=Valentino: "No way Brad Pitt: I just feel like a boy from Pesaro" |url=https://www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/pesaro/2008/11/12/132127-valentino_macche_brad_pitt.shtml |access-date=2 January 2024 |work=Il Resto del Carlino |language=it-IT}}</ref> In June 2017, at an inauguration of a swimming pool in [[Pesaro]], the provincial capital, [[Giovanni Malagò]], President of the [[Italian National Olympic Committee]], was booed for saying that Rossi was "a little here [Marche] and a little there [Romagna]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossi |first=Michele |date=19 June 2017 |title="Valentino Rossi è romagnolo": bufera su Malagò |trans-title=“Valentino Rossi is from Romagna”: storm over Malagò |url=https://www.sportal.it/motori/moto/valentino-rossi-romagnolo-bufera-su-malag.html |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=Sportal.it |language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2017 |title="Valentino Rossi romagnolo" Fischi al presidente Coni Malagò |trans-title="Valentino Rossi is from Romagna": Boos to the president Coni Malagò |url=https://www.corriereadriatico.it/pesaro/pesaro_valentino_rossi_romagnolo_pioggia_fischi_malago_coni-2513138.html |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=Corriere Adriatico |language=it-IT}}</ref>

In 2002, Rossi received threats from an Italian-Spanish anarchist movement, which in those days sent parcel bombs to people it considered targets in either of the two countries. The anarchists considered Rossi "guilty" because at the time he rode for Honda's MotoGP factory team, it had been sponsored by the oil company [[Repsol]] since 1994, (for which he filmed a commercial in Spain.) with their logo displayed on both the motorcycle and on his race suits.<ref>{{Cite news |title=La trincea spagnola dei nuovi anarchici |language=it |newspaper=La Repubblica |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2002/12/15/la-trincea-spagnola-dei-nuovi-anarchici.html}}</ref>

On 31 May 2005 he received an honorary degree in Communications and Advertising for Organizations. In March 2010, the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini delivered to Rossi the first Winning Italy Award for his contribution to the promotion of Italy's image in the world.<ref name="winningitaly"/>

Rossi has a maternal half-brother, Luca Marini, [[2020 Moto2 season]] runner-up who was racing for the Sky Racing Team by VR46.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/moto2/news/luca-marini-being-valentinos-half-brother-helps-me-a-lot-679014/679014/ |title=Luca Marini: "Being Valentino's half-brother helps me a lot"|website=Motorsport.com|date=12 March 2016 }}</ref> In 2021, Marini moved to the MotoGP class joining the Esponsorama team using the Sky VR46 livery on his bike,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2020/november/marini-bastianini-ducati/ |title=MotoGP: Esponsorama Racing confirm the signings of Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini for 2021|website=motorcyclenews.com}}</ref> before moving over to Rossi's VR46 Racing Team for the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Barstow |first1=Ollie |date=16 November 2021 |title=VR46 Ducati confirmed with Marini, Bezzecchi for 2022 MotoGP… but not Aramco |url=https://www.visordown.com/news/racing/motogp/vr46-ducati-confirmed-marini-bezzecchi-2022-motogp%E2%80%A6-not-aramco |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Visordown |language=en}}</ref>

On 4 March 2022, he had a daughter with his partner, Francesca Sofia Novello.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/people/valentino-rossi-e-francesca-sofia-novello-sono-diventati-genitori-ecco-giulietta_46877258-202202k.shtml |title=Valentino Rossi e Francesca Sofia Novello sono diventati genitori, ecco Giulietta (Valentino Rossi and Francesca Sofia Novello have become parents, here is Giulietta)|newspaper=Tgcom24|date=4 March 2022|language=Italian|access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref>

In July 2024, Valentino Rossi announced his partner was pregnant with his second child, another daughter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://motorcyclesports.net/valentino-rossi-to-become-a-father-for-the-second-time/|title=Valentino Rossi to become a father for the second time|website=motorcyclesports.net|date=4 July 2024|access-date=11 July 2024}}</ref>

===Business===
Besides having a racing team, Rossi also has other businesses such as merchandise, apparel, and many other things with the VR46 brand. In Tavullia he also has a place of business with the name Tavullia 46. Tavullia 46 owns various entities such as pizza restaurants and ice cream shops. 

Valentino Rossi has several businesses related to VR46, including VR46 Racing Apparel, VR Equipment, and VR46 Metaverse. In addition, he also owns a racing team that competes in the Motorcycle Grand Prix championship. 
Here are more details about these businesses:
* VR Equipment:
** The business focuses on developing and selling high-tech racing equipment for all athletes.
* VR46 Metaverse:
** A digital platform that allows VR46 fans and the community to interact and engage with VR46-related content.
* VR46 Agency
** VR46 Agency which handles the search for sponsors and commercial partners, and focuses on marketing consulting in the field of sports and market analysis. So, not only does it excel in racing, but it is also in line with its business. VR46 Agency partners with Rossi's VR46 Riders Academy, which has produced many great riders in the premier class, including two-time defending MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia.

===Reported earnings===
According to ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', Rossi is one of the highest-earning sports personalities in the world, having earned an estimated $34 million in 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/index.20.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060808081002/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/index.20.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2006 |title=SI.com&nbsp;– The Fortunate 50 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=1 March 2010}}</ref> In 2009 ''[[Forbes]]'' ranked Rossi as number nine among the world's highest-paid athletes having earned an estimated $35 million in the past year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/top-earning-athletes-business-sports-top-earning-athletes_slide_10.html |title=Forbes.com&nbsp;– The World's Highest-Paid Athletes |work=Forbes |access-date=5 May 2010 |first=Kurt |last=Badenhausen}}</ref>

===Tax avoidance case===
====2002====
Rossi was investigated by the Italian tax authorities for tax evasion in 2002 but the investigation proved unsuccessful.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

====2007====
In 2007, the Italian tax authorities declared Rossi was being investigated for suspected tax evasion. The authorities announced they were investigating Rossi for undeclared revenues of 112 million euros ($160 million) between 2000 and 2004. The officials said, against the European Taxes Agreements among European countries, Rossi's London residency has enabled him to take advantage of favourable tax conditions, such as only declaring earnings made in Britain and avoiding taxes on his lucrative merchandising and sponsorship contracts, commenting that Rossi had residency in London but his "centre of interests" wasn't there, as shown by a thorough investigation.<ref>[http://www.gazzetta.it/Motori/Motomondiale/MotoGP/Primo_Piano/2007/08_Agosto/15/fiscocontrorossi.shtml Fisco, Rossi incastrato così] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406193625/http://www.gazzetta.it/Motori/Motomondiale/MotoGP/Primo_Piano/2007/08_Agosto/15/fiscocontrorossi.shtml |date=6 April 2016 }}, La Gazzetta dello Sport, 15 agosto 2007</ref> It noted that in 2002, Rossi's Italian tax form declared earnings of 500 euros, while sponsorship contracts were all reported to be made out to foreign companies, but with his affairs controlled mainly from Italy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-28907020070809 |title=Motorcycle champ Rossi's tax probe shocks Italy|date=9 August 2007|website=Reuters.com}}</ref> In February 2008, Rossi announced that he had reached a settlement with the Italian tax authorities: he paid 35 million euros to close the tax case. He also [[plea-bargain]]ed a [[suspended sentence]] of six months' imprisonment for non-declaration of income.<ref>La Repubblica, [http://sport.repubblica.it/news/sport/motogp-fisco-rossi-chiede-patteggiamento-procura-pesaro/3661902 MotoGP, fisco: Rossi chiede patteggiamento a procura Pesaro] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828114212/http://sport.repubblica.it/news/sport/motogp-fisco-rossi-chiede-patteggiamento-procura-pesaro/3661902 |date=28 August 2016 }}</ref>

===Videogame===
In November 2015, [[Milestone srl]] announced the development of ''[[Valentino Rossi: The Game]]'', to be released for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Xbox One]], with Rossi officially endorsing the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/27/relive-rossi-s-career-in-valentino-rossi-the-game/190523 |title=Relive Rossi's career in Valentino Rossi the Game &#124; MotoGP™ |access-date=13 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423012959/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/11/27/relive-rossi-s-career-in-valentino-rossi-the-game/190523 |archive-date=23 April 2016 }}</ref> It was then released on 16 June 2016, and it is also the official video game of the [[2016 MotoGP season]].

===Other hobbies===
Rossi supports Italian football club [[F.C. Internazionale Milano|Inter Milan]] since 1990. After he won world titles in 2008 and 2009, Inter congratulated him via their website.<ref>{{cite web|title = Moto: l'ottava volta di Re Valentino|url = http://www.inter.it/it/news/42422|access-date = 6 October 2015|archive-date = 7 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151007112819/http://www.inter.it/it/news/42422|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inter.it/it/news/46167 |title=Moto Gp: Valentino, 9^ volta campione |language=it |trans-title=Moto GP: Valentino, 9th time champion |publisher=F.C. Internazionale Milano |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=21 May 2014 |archive-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521221305/http://www.inter.it/it/news/46167 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 

At the 2015 Argentine Grand Prix, Rossi wore a replica [[Diego Maradona]] football shirt on the podium in tribute to Maradona after Rossi won the race.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/motogp-2015-valentino-rossi-wins-dramatic-argentinian-grand-prix-as-marc-marquez-crashes-on-the-10188809.html |title=Valentino Rossi takes dramatic Argentinian MotoGP win as Marc Marquez crashes on penultimate lap|date=20 April 2015|website=The Independent}}</ref> Maradona congratulated him via his [[Facebook]].

In April 2025, [[F.C. Internazionale Milano]] and [[Nike, Inc.]] announced a special partnership with Valentino Rossi. The jersey was designed to celebrate Rossi’s 46th birthday and his love for Inter Milan, a unique blend of football and motorcycle racing. On the Inter Millan website, the Inter 2024/25 Away Kit has been redesigned with the addition of several iconic references to Valentino Rossi’s career. In particular, the famous “Sun and Moon” symbol has been incorporated into the center of the jersey – a nod to the union of two different worlds and the special bond between Rossi and Inter.

“This special jersey is an iconic item for Valentino Rossi and Inter fans – a collector’s piece that combines the tradition and history of the club with the thrill of racing,” it said in the Inter Millan website.

The jersey’s special feature is also the number 46 embedded under the Nike logo. In addition, a small number 46 also adorns each digit of the jersey number on the back. Rossi, who became the model for the launch of this special Inter Milan jersey, was very happy and honored by the dedication of his favorite club that created a special uniform for him. Added with a second label and the words "Engineered with Valentino Rossi's exact specifications". This special edition jersey has been worn by Inter players at [[San Siro Stadium]], [[Milan]], [[Italy]] during the match against [[Cagliari Calcio]] on Saturday (12/4/2025) and is available for purchase in an exclusive special version 'Rossi 46' - the only one with a special design to make the number look like a MotoGP race track. This jersey has even been available on April 10 at Inter Stores in Galleria Passerella, Piazza Castello and San Siro, as well as official Nike sales points (Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Loreto di Milano). Especially for true Interisti and Valentino Rossi fans, of course, you shouldn't miss this special edition jersey to complete their collection. This special Valentino Rossi jersey has been marketed through the official website with a starting price of 270 USD and for the personalization option, the price is 235 USD.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inter.it/en/inter-special-edition-valentino-rossi-away-shirt |title=Inter special edition Valentino Rossi away shirt|date=14 April 2025|access-date=25 April 2025|website=FC Internazionale}}</ref>

==Honours==
In November 2021, Rossi was officially inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame and became a MotoGP legend at the FIM MotoGP awards ceremony, after the race at the [[Ricardo Tormo Circuit]], [[Valencia]]. CEO of [[Dorna Sports]], Carmelo Ezpeleta presented the MotoGP Legend award to Rossi who has competed for 26 seasons. After being ordained as an important figure when he was still an active racer, Valentino Rossi has now been officially recognized as a legendary racer by MotoGP.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.motogp.com/id/news/2021/11/14/valentino-rossi-named-motogp-legend/186201|title=Valentino Rossi named MotoGP™ Legend|date=14 November 2021|access-date=15 November 2021|website=Dorna Sports}}</ref>

In December 2021, Valentino Rossi received an award in the form of a tapir-shaped trophy. The award was the Tapiro d'Oro, the Golden Tapir trophy which is a satirical award from the television show Stracia de Notiza. Tapiro d'Oro is an award with a satirical/mocking tone. Rossi has received it seven times throughout his career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bolasport.com/read/313022051/pensiun-dari-motogp-valentino-rossi-dapat-penghargaan-piala-tapir |title=Retiring from MotoGP, Valentino Rossi Receives Tapir Cup Award|date=1 December 2021|access-date=5 December 2021|website=bolasport.com|language=id}}</ref>

In April 2022, Rossi was awarded the Laureus Award, which is an honor for those who have changed history in various sports. If there is someone who can change the history of motorcycle racing, Rossi is the main star. This is the second award he has won. Back then in 2006, Rossi had already won this award in [[Barcelona]]. Although he has retired as a professional motorcycle racer, The Doctor's legacy will always be imprinted in the years to come. That is why the winner of nine world championship titles was named an Icon of Sport for his contributions throughout his career. Since deciding to retire at the end of 2021, tributes have been given to Rossi through the community in Valencia, murals of his face and awards have been given to him. In fact, the presence of #46 in the Portuguese Grand Prix which was intended to provide moral support to the riders who strengthened his team, became the center of attention of the media and fans. Therefore, the Laureus Award was given to recognize all the efforts he has made in the MotoGP World Championship over the years with 115 wins and 235 podiums in all classes. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest riders of all time, and an icon for many young people looking to embark on a career in two-wheeled racing. The sports icon award is given under the direction of the Laureus World Sports Academy and is given to someone whose brilliance and dedication make him truly deserving of the honour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://id.motorsport.com/motogp/news/valentino-rossi-dianugerahi-laureus-sporting-icon-award/10198690/ |title=Valentino Rossi Awarded Laureus Sporting Icon Award|date=22 April 2022|access-date=25 April 2022|website=motorsport.com|language=id}}</ref>

In December 2022, Valentino Rossi received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his great services to the world of motorcycle racing, given in a circle-shaped trophy with the words 'Grazie Vale' written on it. The award was given directly by FIM President Jorge Viegas to Valentino Rossi at the FIM Awards event held in [[Rimini]], [[Italy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gridoto.com/read/223601804/sudah-pensiun-dari-motogp-valentino-rossi-masih-dapat-penghargaan-dari-fim |title=Already Retired from MotoGP, Valentino Rossi Still Gets Awards from FIM|date=5 December 2022|access-date=6 December 2022|website=gridoto.com|language=id}}</ref>

In September 2023, Rossi received the Key to the City of [[Tavullia]] award ahead of the 2023 San Marino MotoGP at the [[Misano Circuit]]. In an award ceremony initiated by the Mayor of Tavullia, Francesco Paolucci, at local time, Rossi was given the Key to the City of Tavullia for his services in advancing the city where The Doctor was born. Also present were a number of racers who graduated from the VR46 Riders Academy. On the stage of the award event called 'Tavullia Vale', Rossi's first motorcycle was seen at the Grand Prix in 1996 and his last motorcycle before retiring in MotoGP 2021. The award event was even more lively because almost the entire population of the city of 8,000 was present in the center of Tavullia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/olahraga/20230908143316-156-996508/rossi-terima-kunci-tavullia-jelang-motogp-san-marino-2023|title=Rossi Receives Tavullia Key Ahead of 2023 San Marino MotoGP|date=8 September 2023|access-date=10 September 2023 |website=cnnindonesia.com|language=id}}</ref>

==Career statistics and records==
{{further|List of career achievements by Valentino Rossi}}
{{see also|List of motorcycle Grand Prix wins by Valentino Rossi}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{cite book|last=Rossi |first=Valentino |others=With Enrico Borghi |translator=Gabriele Marcotti |title=Valentino Rossi&nbsp;– The Autobiography: What if I had never tried it|year=2006|publisher=Arrow Books|isbn=978-0-09-948696-1}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Sports links}}
*{{official website}}

{{navboxes|title=Valentino Rossi achievements|list=
{{S-start}}
{{s-bef|before = {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Ivan Cremonini]]}}
{{s-ttl|title  = 125cc Motorcycle Italian Champion|years  = 1995}}
{{s-aft|after  = {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Igor Antonelli]]}}
{{s-bef|before = {{flagicon|JPN}} Daijiro Kato<br />{{flagicon|JPN}} Tohru Ukawa}}
{{s-ttl|title  = Suzuka 8 Hours<br />winner|years  = 2001|with={{flagicon|USA}} Colin Edwards}}
{{s-aft|after  = {{flagicon|JPN}} Daijiro Kato<br />{{flagicon|USA}} Colin Edwards}}
{{S-end}}
{{500cc/MotoGP World Riders' Champions}}
{{250cc/Moto2 World Riders' Champions}}
{{125cc/Moto3 World Riders' Champions}}
{{MotoGP Legends}}
{{Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year}}
{{Laureus Spirit of Sport Award}}
{{Italian Sportsman of the Year}}
}}
{{Yamaha Motor Racing}}
{{Repsol Honda}}{{BMW M Factory Drivers}}{{WEC LMGT3 teams}}{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rossi, Valentino}}
[[Category:Valentino Rossi]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:125cc World Championship riders]]
[[Category:125cc World Riders' Champions]]
[[Category:24 Hours of Le Mans drivers]]
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[[Category:250cc World Championship riders]]
[[Category:250cc World Riders' Champions]]
[[Category:500cc World Championship riders]]
[[Category:500cc World Riders' Champions]]
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[[Category:Italian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Italian motorcycle racers]]
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[[Category:Laureus World Sports Awards winners]]
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[[Category:MotoGP World Championship riders]]
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[[Category:Yamaha Motor Racing MotoGP riders]]