Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi was perhaps bigger than MotoGP, with his influence being nothing the sport has ever seen. Although he retired in 2021, it is still struggling without him.
With seven premier class titles, the Doctor has had a huge effect on MotoGP, particularly in his home nation of Italy. But since he announced he would retire from motorcycle Grand Prix racing at the end of 2021, interest from the country has dropped.
While there are six full-time Italians on the grid in 2026, plus two Italian brands and Rossi’s own team in VR46, that influence is starting to fade.
Davide Tardozzi says Valentino Rossi’s absence is still a ‘problem’ for MotoGP in Italy
Michele Pirro says Italy would ‘lose its appeal’ without Rossi, and Davide Tardozzi seems to think that it is already happening now that he is off the grid.
Speaking to Speedweek, the Ducati team manager admits that his absence is still a problem for the country and the future of its Grand Prix talent: “We’ve lost market share in Italy in recent years. I can’t speak for other countries.
“The fact that we no longer have Valentino Rossi is a problem. Valentino Rossi was a star, a hero even for grandmothers. He made sure they watched MotoGP.
Are there too many Spanish riders on the MotoGP grid?
“On the other hand, Pecco Bagnaia has been very well-known in Italy for a few years now, and of course Ducati and Aprilia as well – they’re doing a good job with promotion.
“But it’s also clear that pay TV isn’t helping. However, this world has to survive, and pay-TV broadcasters pay good money, so the organisers are leaning in that direction.
“I don’t know how things will develop with the new owners, how they plan to market the championship. I believe that the era of pay TV can’t be turned back.”
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Valentino Rossi from stats to net worth
MotoGP wants fewer Italian and Spanish riders on the grid
Part of the reason why Italy is losing influence in MotoGP is that the sport is looking to add new nations to the grid. Italy and Spain have dominated the premier class in recent years, with 15 of the 2026 riders hailing from the two nations.
The arrivals of Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira bring new markets to MotoGP in 2026, and owners Liberty Media want to keep heading in that direction.
Will the opportunity to beat Valentino Rossi inspire Marc Marquez to fight through his latest injury?
This is being taken on board, as teams are starting to look beyond Spanish and Italian riders and instead focus on talent with new passports for MotoGP.
Carmelo Ezpeleta is looking to ‘regulate’ Italian and Spanish riders, limiting how many are represented on the grid. The likes of Marco Bezzecchi, Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio still offer some appeal, but Rossi’s absence has certainly damaged it.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
