ROSSI

“WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE 42-YEAR-OLD ITALIAN MEGASTAR WHO HAS NEVER COURTED THE MEDIA?”

Valentino Rossi. A phenomenon who almost single-handedly created a global addiction to MotoGP, winning nine world titles and a demigod status to boot. We became as addicted to him as he was to racing bikes, and boy we couldn’t get enough. But he has now called time on his unprecedented career on two wheels, so why have we been so obsessed? What makes him so special? Does he get a wristband to the exclusive club of god-like talent alongside Hunt, Sheene, Pele, Woods, Jordan and Ali? These choices are always subjective, but I’m calling yes.

Of course, everyone knows Valentino for his on-track success and his flamboyant off-track antics, but what do we really know about the 42-year-old Italian megastar who has never courted the media, preferring