11 Quotes & Sayings By Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi is the most successful motorcycle racer in history, with an unprecedented record of success. A nine-time champion – seven consecutive – and a record-breaking eight-time runner-up, Rossi has won more premier class Grand Prix races than any other rider. He was the first rider to win seven titles in a row and the only one to win a title despite having been injured. Rossi has won more Grands Prix than any other rider – 177 – and his career tally includes 16 victories at the Isle of Man TT race Read more

He has also been World Champion nine times, both as a team member and as an individual. He is the only person ever to achieve the 'Triple Crown' – MotoGP World Championship, World Superbike Championship and World Supersport Championship – along with being a double world champion in 125cc. He has also been victorious in other major categories, including 250cc, 500cc and Moto2.

In 2004 he was included alongside Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford as one of the top three 'Most iconic celebrities' by E! Online. In November 2008, Forbes ranked him as the second highest paid athlete in the world, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo. During his career he has been awarded with many honours including Ècole Nationale d'Administration Honorary Medal from France, The Order of Merit from Italy, conferred by President Giorgio Napolitano and named after Pius XI (King), Padma Vibhushan from India; Grandee of Spain; Knight First Class of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix (King); and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX (Pope) from Pope Benedict XVI (Pope).

1
I don't like being famous - it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse. Valentino Rossi
2
I have a lot of energy after 2 A.M. I like to sleep in the morning. I have some problems at the start of the day. Valentino Rossi
3
The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it's true. Valentino Rossi
4
To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike. Valentino Rossi
5
The great fights with your strongest rivals are always the biggest motivation. When you win easily it's not the same taste. Valentino Rossi
6
I am able to ride the bike and think clearly about strategy and tyres. I also have positive thinking. I am very constructively critical. Valentino Rossi
7
Riding a race bike is an art - a thing that you do because you feel something inside. Valentino Rossi
8
Maybe the bike is more dangerous, but the passion for the car for me is second to the bike. Valentino Rossi
9
I race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same. Valentino Rossi
10
I would have probably stolen cars - it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing. Valentino Rossi