Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi has been seen as the ultimate showman through the extravagant personality that was on display during his illustrious career in the premier class, but Mick Doohan has recently revealed just how serious the Italian icon can be behind the scenes.
As the most recognisable name in the history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Valentino Rossi’s legacy in MotoGP can’t be understated.
As a seven-time premier class champion, The Doctor is undoubtedly one of the greatest competitors to grace MotoGP, and is often chosen as the favourite rider of the majority of riders who make it in the sport.
The rivalries that Rossi shared with other riders often gripped the sport. Don’t let the ear-to-ear grins fool you, once #46 donned his helmet and leather overalls, he didn’t let anyone stand in the way of him reaching the chequered flag first.
Which of the current MotoGP grid would beat prime Valentino Rossi today?
Mick Doohan reveals how Valentino Rossi’s persona changes ‘behind the scenes’
During a recent appearance on the Racing Back podcast, Grand Prix motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan was asked about his personality in the MotoGP paddock.
Host Nick Harris highlighted how the Australian would often leave the circuit as soon as possible, leaving the celebrations for those who remained at the race track.
Doohan highlighted a former teammate of his as his inspiration behind the low-key demeanour, saying, “Well, that’s right. I think Eddie Lawson was a great teammate to have, to be honest, when I joined.
“He helped me immensely, trying to understand the bike and whatever else. I had met him when I was with Yamaha, and the Superbike side of things when we’d done some Japanese races.
“He was pretty handy, but he was that type of fellow as well. So I probably picked up a lot of that from him also. And as you say, with Valentino, maybe it helped having Graziano, his father.
“He grew up around the paddocks. It was a bit more of a home for him. For me, it was very foreign. But, we all know that Valentino, behind the scenes, is ultra serious, but he’s the ultimate showman in front of where he needs to be.”
Following Doohan’s retirement from the sport after a severe crash in 1999, Rossi was thrust into the vacant seat at Honda, inheriting the five-time world champion’s backroom staff as well.
The Italian went on to replicate his predecessor’s success, too. Rossi secured three consecutive titles between 2001 and 2003, cementing his status as one of the greats at such a young age.
- READ MORE: Casey Stoner once stated why Valentino Rossi doesn’t ‘come close’ to 137-race rider as MotoGP’s GOAT
What is your favourite bike from Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP career?
Neil Hodgson has seen Valentino Rossi-esque traits in MotoGP star Pedro Acosta
While Rossi is a unique entity in his own right, his influence over the next generation of MotoGP stars has been gigantic.
The Italian’s aggression was unparalleled when it came to wheel-to-wheel battles, and Neil Hodgson has recently revealed that he has seen a similar calibre of fight in Pedro Acosta during the early stages of his career.
Acosta shares an amicable relationship with Rossi, and with the Spaniard tipped to be the next big thing in MotoGP, the Italian has attempted to sign him on multiple occasions.
Unfortunately for VR46 fans, it looks like the Murcian native will be heading to Borgo Panigale instead, with it recently emerging that Acosta has appeared to sign a deal with Ducati to lead the factory outfit in 2027.
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