On the Thursday before the Styrian Grand Prix, Rossi announced that the 2021 season – his 26th Grand Prix World Championship season – would be his last, which he will retire at the end of the year.
During the summer break, Rossi had the opportunity to ride a Ducati with his own VR46 team in 2022 after it was discovered that the team’s Aramco title sponsorship did not exist – and Rossi therefore had to drive one of the Desmosedicis to do so secure support for the team.
While the Aramco / VR46 deal is still surrounded by uncertainty, Rossi finally decided to end his racing career.
He believes the VR46 Ducati project is a good option, but believes it will take at least a couple of seasons to adapt to the Ducati – after notoriously battling the Italian brand in 2011-2012 – and feeling like that the move is “more risky” if it were only for one season.
“I also have an offer from my team for next year,” said Rossi. “An official offer! I am firmly thinking of continuing because I would have loved to have ridden for my team and would have had my bikes in Tavullia with the team there.
“I think we have a great Moto3 and Moto2 team there with a lot of people that I’ve known there for a long time.
Luca Marini, Esponsorama Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“For example, I have some mechanics who worked with me on the 250 in 1998 and 1999.
“So it would have been fascinating to drive with my team, but in the end I decided against it for other reasons. I should have changed bikes, I think it was a good project if you have two or three years to spare, but if you only have one season there may be more risk than the good things.
“That’s why I decided against it.”
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Rossi admits his passion for motorcycle racing is “not happy” to retire from MotoGP but now feels ready to make the decision.
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“Two years ago and last year I wasn’t ready to quit MotoGP because I had to understand and try everything, but now I’m OK, I’m calm,” he added.
“I’m definitely not happy, but if I do another year next year, I wouldn’t be happy in the same moment because I want to race for another 20 years!
“I think this is the right moment.
“We have another half of the season where I’ll try to be stronger than the first half and I’ll try to do my best but I think it’s the right choice.”