On Thursday forward of the Styrian Grand Prix, Rossi introduced the 2021 season – his twenty sixth grand prix world championship marketing campaign – could be his final having elected to retire on the finish of the yr.
Over the summer time break the likelihood for Rossi to race together with his personal VR46 crew on a Ducati in 2022 emerged after it transpired that the Aramco title sponsorship of the outfit didn’t exist – and due to this fact Rossi would wish to pilot one of many Desmosedicis as a way to safe backing for the crew.
Whereas uncertainty nonetheless surrounds the Aramco/VR46 deal, Rossi finally determined to name time on his racing profession.
He feels the VR46 Ducati challenge is an effective choice, however believes he wants a few seasons a minimum of to adapt to the Ducati – having famously struggled in 2011-2012 with the Italian marque – and felt “there may be extra danger” within the transfer if it was only for one season.
“I’ve a proposal additionally from my crew for subsequent yr,” Rossi mentioned.
“An official supply! I believe deeply to proceed as a result of I’d have appreciated to have raced for my crew and have my bikes in Tavullia with the crew there.
“I believe that we’ve an ideal Moto3 and Moto2 crew there with lots of people that I’ve recognized there for a very long time.
Luca Marini, Esponsorama Racing
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“For instance, I’ve some mechanics which have labored with me on the 250cc so in 1998 and 1999.
“So, it might have been fascinating to race with my crew however on the finish I made a decision to not for some totally different causes; I’d have needed to change bike, I believe that it was a very good challenge if in case you have two or three years however if in case you have only one season perhaps there may be extra danger than the great issues.
“So that’s the reason I made a decision to not.”
Rossi admits he’s “not completely happy” to be retiring from MotoGP given his ardour for bike racing, however feels he was prepared for the choice now.
“Two years in the past and in addition final yr I used to be not able to cease with MotoGP as a result of I needed to perceive and take a look at every part, however now I’m OK, I’m quiet,” he added.
“I’m not completely happy for certain but when I make one other yr, subsequent yr, I’d not be completely happy in the identical second as a result of I wish to race for one more 20 years!
“I believe that is the appropriate second.
“We’ve one other half of a season the place I’ll attempt to be stronger than within the first half and I’ll attempt to give my greatest however I believe it’s the proper selection.”