VALENTINO ROSSI

In 2011 Valentino Rossi takes on a new challenge with Ducati, one of his biggest to date in an illustrious career that has already been marked by the acceptance and successful accomplishment of such ventures. The nine-time (seven in MotoGP) World Champion forms an Italian partnership with the Borgo Panigale factory, riding alongside team-mate Nicky Hayden as he attempts to equal MotoGP Legend Giacomo Agostini’s record by taking an eighth premier class title, having already surpassed “Ago’s” record for all-time premier class victories.
With his place in the sport’s history already sealed thanks to his achievements to date, the change to a third manufacturer in the premier class for Rossi brings with it great expectation. After claiming the 125cc (1997) and 250cc (1999) titles, “The Doctor” then sealed five straight premier class titles from 2001-2005, switching from Honda to Yamaha in 2004 and thus proving his ability to achieve success wherever he went. Further titles followed in 2008 and 2009, before a broken leg four rounds into the 2010 season ended a record run of 230 consecutive World Championship starts as Rossi missed races for the first time in his career, making 2011 all the more significant for the Italian rider.

Nationality	Italian
Born	February 16, 1979 (age 32) Urbino, Italy
Current team	Ducati Marlboro Team
Bike number	46
Website	valentinorossi.com
[hide]Motorcycle racing career statistics MotoGP World Championship Active years 2000–present Manufacturers Honda (2000–2003) Yamaha (2004–2010) Ducati (2011–present) Championships 7 (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,2005, 2008, 2009) 2011 Championshipposition 7th (139 pts) Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 198 79 139 49 66 3456 250cc World Championship Active years 1998–1999 Manufacturers Aprilia Championships 1 (1999) Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 30 14 21 5 11 510 125cc World Championship Active years 1996–1997 Manufacturers Aprilia Championships 1 (1997) Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 30 12 15 5 9 432