The Rossi-less future MotoGP must now navigate
Motorcycle racing's greatest showman has left the stage, as Valentino Rossi calls time on his remarkable career on two wheels. But in his successors, all of whom were inspired by 'the Doctor', grand prix racing has vibrant new acts to keep us hooked
On Sunday 14 November, the greatest chapter in MotoGP’s history – and one of the best in all motorsport – came to a close. We all knew it was coming, Valentino Rossi having announced 2021 would be his last season in grand prix motorcycle racing back in August. Nevertheless, it was a reality hard to comprehend.
Rossi has been racing in the world championship since he burst onto the 125cc scene back in 1996, the Italian winning his first grand prix on 18 August – just one week after this particular writer was born. For so many, Rossi has been a major part of their entire life. For MotoGP, he’s been the most important part.
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Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.
While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.
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