Former Aprilia, Honda, Ducati and Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi has won in every class he has competed in. That’s who mentored him.
Valentino Rossi had, along his path, two very important characters who helped him become a motorsport phenomenon. The Doctor was an early champion, already considered an absolute predestined in the world of two wheels at an early age. Compared to many of his colleagues, he kept expectations high, managing to impose himself in 125, 250, 500 and also in MotoGP on two different bikes.
The native of Urbino also gained the satisfaction of an honorary degree. In Urbino, in 2005, he was honored with the title in communication and advertising for organisations. An academic recognition that he also exploited in his new entrepreneurial career.
After hanging up his helmet, the centaur of Tavullia created an empire, taking advantage of his name. In the Fanatec GT championship he showed off his qualities. Few would have bet on the possibility of him just managing to finish a race on the podium. In 2023, at Misano, he won in Race-2 and continued to amaze with BMW in the WEC.
Over the course of his life he tried his hand at various categories, starting with Rally. He also drove with Lewis Hamilton on the track in the cockpit of a Mercedes F1. He has become a transversal driver, proving to be an absolute idol of the masses. Valentino is known in every area of the world. Millions of kids grew up with his example, remaining fascinated by the Doctor’s style. Beyond his speed capabilities, the Tavullia phenomenon has revolutionized the world of two wheels with a unique and inimitable character.
Valentino Rossi’s key men
We must not forget that the Doctor was a son of art. Graziano Rossi raced in the MotoGP. Between 1970 and 1980 he competed together with Virginio Ferrari, Marco Lucchinelli and Franco Uncini, a generation of very high caliber that succeeded that of Agostini, Pasolini and Villa. Graziano passed on to him a great passion and helped him in the first phase to find his way into the world of two wheels.
To reach the highest levels, manager Carlo Pernat, one of the best talent scouts in the history of motorcycling, was essential.
An absolute number 1 like Valentino Rossi would probably have emerged anyway but the relationship with Pernat proved fruitful. A decisive character in Rossi’s career for communication purposes was Gibò Badioli. Due to tax disputes the relationship was interrupted and from that moment on Valentino Rossi, already a top class champion, managed his motorcycling career independently.
