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Why MotoGP's ageing rock star isn't clinging to the limelight

Valentino Rossi remains a MotoGP superstar and while his skill and motivation cannot be questioned, the long-awaited announcement of his Petronas SRT move has presented a new reality for the nine-time world champion

Before this season got underway, this writer considered Valentino Rossi to be like Deep Purple's Ian Gillan. A legend, no question about that. But a shade of his former glory. Still a star name, but not able to hit that soaring scream in 'Child In Time'.

And there was some justification for that. Rossi went from scoring six podiums in the opening half of the 2018 season on the Yamaha to just two in the same time period last year. And the 2017 Dutch TT still remains his last win.

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Author Lewis Duncan

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.