MotoGP motorcycle star Valentino Rossi has completed the announced transfer from the Yamaha factory team to the Petronas stable and will be racing in the elite series for at least another season. The 41-year-old nine-time world champion in the new team, who also uses Yamaha machines, has signed a 2021 contract.
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Italian motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi on the circuit in Misano.
Jennifer Lorenzini, Reuters
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In Petronas, he will replace the Italian darling of the young Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, who, on the other hand, is heading for the Yamaha factory team, and will form a pair with his compatriot Franco Morbidelli. “It is an honor to welcome Valentino Rossi, the equestrian icon and legend, to the team next year,” said Petronas boss Razlan Razali. “His experience will be invaluable to the team,” he added.
In the World Championship series, Rossi has been shining practically since his debut, winning the first title in the second season in the 125cc cubic capacity in 1997. He also added another in the higher categories to 250cc and 500cc. He triumphed six times in the MotoGP class, which was introduced in 2002. Only his compatriot Giacomo Agostini (15) and Spaniard Ángel Nieto (13) have more world titles.
In total, Rossi won 199 podium finishes during his career, most recently being third in this year’s second race in Jerez. He has been waiting for victory since 2017.
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