'Mixed feeling' - Valentino Rossi's #46 retired from MotoGP at Mugello
The ceremony was held on the main straight of the ༺Italian Grand Pri⛦x venue, where Rossi had thrilled his home fans with seven straight wins from 2002-2008.
Crowd numbers this weekend lꩵook well below the attendance for the Rossi years, but many of those present assembled in the main grandstand at lunchtime to see Rossi's 46 retired by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and FIM president Jorge Viegas.
Paddock members also watched on from pit lane.
"It's a mixed feeling," said Rossi. "From the oneꦯ 🌊side it's very sad that I've finished and the 46 is retired.
"On the other side, it's a great feeling because it was a long story, an unforgettable car💖eer, full of great moments. So I'm very proud and today was ꦛgood here at Mugello, a special place, our home grand prix.
"It's also good becausꦇe I always raced with the 46, so the 46 means a lot to me and it was the number of Graziano, my father.
"I'm happy becau൩se the 46 is a sign, not ju෴st a number."
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The Doctor won nine championships, 115 grand💃s prix and became the world’s most ▨famous motorcycle racer during an illustrious 26-year career.
After leaving MotoGP at the end of last season, Rossi was immediately made an Official MotoGP Legend while his #46 now joins the likes of #27 (Casey Stoner), #6𝔉9 (Nicky Hayden) and #34 (Kevin Schwantz) in being banned from future use in the premier-class.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He i♈෴s at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
