Editing Valentino Rossi

Rossi continued to race karts and finished fifth at the national kart championships in [[Parma]]. Both Valentino and Graziano had started looking at moving into the Italian 100cc series, as well as the corresponding European series, which most likely would have pushed him into the direction of [[Formula One]]. However, the high cost of racing karts led to the decision to race minimoto exclusively. Through 1992 and 1993, Valentino continued to learn the ins and outs of minimoto racing.

In 1993, with help from his father, [[Virginio Ferrari]], Claudio Castiglioni and [[Claudio Lusuardi]] (who ran the official [[Cagiva]] Sport Production team), he rode a [[Cagiva Mito]] 125cc motorcycle, which he damaged in a first-corner crash no more than a hundred meters from the [[pit lane]].<ref name="Rossi9394">Rossi, pages 93–94</ref> He finished ninth that race weekend.<ref name="Rossi9394"/>

By [[1998 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1998]], the Aprilia RS250 was reaching its pinnacle and had a team of riders in Valentino Rossi, [[Loris Capirossi]] and [[Tetsuya Harada]]. The death of two of his friends in a car accident also took a toll. He later concluded the 1998 250cc season in second place, only three points behind Capirossi. In 1999, however, he won the title, collecting 5 pole positions and 9 wins.

Rossi was rewarded in 2000 for his 250cc World Championship by being given a ride with [[Honda]] in what was then the ultimate class in World Championship motorcycle racing, 500cc. [[Jeremy Burgess]] had shown him the [[Honda NSR500|NSR500]] and was convinced that the pairing of it with Rossi would bring nothing but success. Retired 500cc World Champion [[Michael Doohan]], who also had Jeremy Burgess as chief engineer, worked with Rossi as his personal mentor in his first year at Honda. It would also be the first time Rossi would be racing against [[Max Biaggi]], another Italian to whom he was often compared by the racing press. It would take nine races before Rossi would win on the Honda but, like his previous seasons in 125 and 250, it bode well for a stronger second season as he finished second to American [[Kenny Roberts, Jr.]].

There was much speculation during the second half of the 2003 season about Rossi's plans for the future. Some people suspected that he would succeed in his bid to claim a third consecutive title and wondered where he would go in the future. His contract with Honda was up at the end of the year and there were rumors that Rossi had become somewhat disillusioned with his ride at Honda. His tenure at Honda had effectively run its course; he had provided Honda with a 500 cc World Championship as well as consecutive MotoGP World Championships.

Some commentators claimed that on an inferior machine (the [[Yamaha YZR-M1]]), Rossi would not be able to recreate his World Championship wins of the previous years, especially with increased development of the RC211V and the likes of [[Max Biaggi]] and [[Sete Gibernau]] on Hondas. The RC211V was a superior machine in almost every aspect although it was expected that the gap would shrink with the defection of Rossi and Jeremy Burgess (chief mechanic for Rossi at Honda, whom Rossi had also convinced to join).

For [[2008 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|2008]] Rossi changed to Bridgestone tires. The season started slowly with a fifth place finish in Qatar, but he took his first win in Shanghai, and also won the next two races. From that race, Rossi was on the podium of every remaining race (except the [[2008 Dutch TT|Dutch]] round at [[Assen]], where he crashed on the first lap and finished 11th), winning a total of nine races in the season. His victories at [[Laguna Seca]] (after a pass down the “Corkscrew” corner over Stoner,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi+stops+Stoner+for+first+Laguna+Seca+victory|title=Rossi stops Stoner for first Laguna Seca victory|date=2008-07-20|work=motogp.com|publisher=[[Dorna Sports]]|accessdate=2010-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2008/july/14-20/jul2008-motogp-stoner-upset-aggresive-moves/|title=Casey Stoner upset with aggressive Valentino Rossi|date=2008-07-21|work=[[Motorcycle News]]|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]|first=Matthew|last=Birt|accessdate=2010-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motorcycle.com/events/rossi-edges-stoner-at-laguna-seca-85417.html|title=Rossi edges Stoner at Laguna Seca |date=2008-07-21|work=Motorcycle.com|publisher=Verticalscope Inc.|accessdate=2010-04-12}}</ref> who crashed but continued and took the second place) and at a rain-shortened race in Indianapolis, meant that Rossi has won in every current circuit in the calendar. His win in Motegi was his first victory there on a MotoGP bike. The victory at Motegi won Rossi his first 800cc MotoGP title, his sixth in premier category, and eighth overall.

On 5 June 2010 at Rossi's home GP at Mugello, Rossi crashed in the second free practice session, around the Biondetti corner, at around 120mpg. Rossi suffered a displaced compound fracture of his right tibia, and is likely to be out for most of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8723843.stm|title=Valentino Rossi breaks leg at Italian MotoGP|date=2010-06-05|work=[[BBC Sport]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2010-06-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/236693/doctors-tell-rossi-he-s-out-for-six-months/|title=Doctors tell Rossi he's out for six months|date=2010-06-11|work=moto.gpupdate.net|publisher=GPUpdate|accessdate=2010-06-11}}</ref> It was the first time that Rossi had missed a race in his Grand Prix career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84151|title=Rossi sidelined with shin bone fracture|date=2010-06-05|work=autosport.com|publisher=[[Haymarket Group|Haymarket Publications]]|accessdate=2010-06-07|first=Toby|last=Moody|authorlink=Toby Moody|first2=Matt|last2=Beer}}</ref> On 7 July, Rossi rode at [[Misano World Circuit|Misano]] on a [[Superbike World Championship]]-specification [[Yamaha YZF-R1]] provided by the Yamaha World Superbike Team to test his leg's recovery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8795830.stm|title=Valentino Rossi poised for shock early MotoGP return|date=7 July 2010|work=[[BBC Sport]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=7 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Valentino+Rossi+test+ride+in+Misano+today|title=Valentino Rossi test ride in Misano today|date=7 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=[[Dorna Sports]]|accessdate=7 July 2010}}</ref>

Earlier in his career [[Max Biaggi]] was considered Rossi's main rival. At one time his website didn't even have Max's name; instead a glaring "XXX XXXXXX" was placed wherever his name should have appeared. Although they hadn't even raced against each other until 2000, the rivalry between the two had been growing since the mid-'90s. The rivalry died down as Rossi's consecutive World Championships and Biaggi's struggle to find support and a consistent rhythm with his races.

Since then the two have not spoken and Rossi seemed to resolve to use the incident to apply psychological pressure on Gibernau. He is said to have sworn that after the Qatar race, which Gibernau won while Rossi crashed out after rising to 6th position, he would do everything to make sure that Gibernau never stood on the highest step of the podium again.

Gibernau retired from Grand Prix racing after an unsuccessful, injury blighted 2006 season with Ducati and he never won another race after Qatar, prompting some in the Spanish and Italian motorcycle racing media to explain this fact by way of reference to the "Qatar curse." But he returned at the end of 2008, after tests on the 2008 Ducati convinced him that he could still be competitive in MotoGP, and signed to ride a Ducati in 2009.

Valentino Rossi has had numerous nicknames during his racing career. His first prominent nickname was "Rossifumi." Rossi explained the etymology of this nickname as a reference and tribute to fellow rider [[Norifumi Abe]].

His next nickname appeared some time around his days racing in the 250 cc World Championship. The nickname "Valentinik" was a reference to the Italian [[Donald Duck]] superhero, "[[Paperinik]]".

Since his dominance in 500 cc and MotoGP, Rossi has used the nickname "The Doctor." This has been attributed to his "cold and clinical dismantling of his opponents" as well as his cool and calm composure in racing compared to his frenetic days in 125 cc and 250 cc where his performance was erratic and dangerous, resulting in numerous crashes. Two theories prevail as to why Rossi is entitled to "The Doctor." One is that Rossi adopted the nickname upon having earned a degree, which in Italy entitles one to use the title "Doctor". Another, as spoken by Graziano himself, "The Doctor because, I don't think there is a particular reason, but it's beautiful, and is important, The Doctor. And in Italy, The Doctor is a name you give to someone for respect, it's very important, The Doctor... important". Although Valentino often jokes that the name arrived because in Italy, Rossi is a common surname for Doctors. These days Rossi rarely crashes and in fact holds the record for the longest streak of consecutive podiums. From September 8, 2002 to April 18, 2004, he stood on the podium at the end of all 23 races including every race in 2003.

He has always raced with the number #46 in his motorcycle grand prix career. Rossi has stated that the original inspiration for this choice of number was the Japanese "wild card" racer [[Norifumi Abe]] whom he saw on television speeding past much more seasoned riders in a wet race. He later found out that it was the number his father had raced with in the first of his 3 grand prix career wins, in 1979, in Yugoslavia, on a 250c Morbidelli. Typically, a World Championship winner (and also runner-up and third place) is awarded the #1 sticker for the next season. However, in a homage to [[Barry Sheene]] (who was the first rider of the modern era to keep the same number, #7), Rossi has stayed with the now-famous #46 throughout his career. The text on his helmet refers to the name of his group of friends: "The Tribe of the Chihuahua," and the letters WLF on his [[leathers]] stand for "Viva La Figa," Italian for "Long Live Pussy." He has so far escaped any sanctions or ultimatums that he remove the letters because the "W" in "WLF" represents the two "V"s in "ViVa". Equally obvious is his success at escaping any disciplinary action from the FIM or Dorna for having the letters so brazenly on the front neck area of his leathers. He traditionally also incorporates his favorite color (fluorescent yellow) into his leather designs. Though Rossi won the MotoGP title seven times he never put the number 1 on his motorcycle representing the World Champion, instead staying with his famous "46". But Rossi has worn the #1 reserved for the reigning World Champion on the shoulder of his racing leathers.

Fellow motorcycle racer and former team mate [[Colin Edwards]], as well as some TV journalists have often referred to him as 'the GOAT' (Greatest of all Time). Colin Edwards says this in the film 'Faster'.

Rossi tested the Ferrari Formula 1 car in 2006 on January 31, February 1, and February 2 at Valencia. The first test saw Rossi spin out on the damp track into the gravel trap, ending his day. On the second day, he posted the ninth fastest time of fifteen drivers, approximately one second behind Michael Schumacher, who himself was third fastest. Rossi lapped faster than seasoned drivers [[Red Bull Racing]]'s [[Mark Webber]] and [[David Coulthard]] and [[Toyota F1]]'s [[Jarno Trulli]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Feb/060201a.htm |title=Soup :: Rossi Ninth In F1 Test Today; Feb 2006 |publisher=Superbikeplanet.com |date=2006-02-01 |accessdate=2010-03-01}}</ref> On the final day of testing, Rossi was just a little more than a half second behind Schumacher's best time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Feb/060202o.htm |title=Soup :: Rossi Faster On Four Wheels |publisher=Superbikeplanet.com |date=2006-02-02 |accessdate=2010-03-01}}</ref> Schumacher hailed Rossi as having immense talent and said he would be perfectly capable of moving to Formula One and being competitive immediately.

On October 11, 2006 it was announced that Rossi would enter that year's Rally New Zealand, a WRC event which was to run from November 17–19.<ref>[http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rally/new-zealand/2006/sport_sto983145.shtml Yahoo! UK & Ireland Eurosport – Sport News | Six Nations Rugby<!-- Bot generated title -->]{{Dead link|date=October 2008}}</ref> He competed in a Subaru WRC car finishing 11th out of 39. On November 26, 2006 Rossi also won the annual Monza Rally driving a Ford Focus WRC car. He beat the 2005 rally victor Rinaldo Capello by 24 seconds, winning five of the seven stages on his way. He also managed to outpace former WRC Champion Didier Auriol by seven seconds in the head-to-head Master Show final. Rossi also announced at the 2006 Monza rally, that he would be entering the 2007 Rally of Great Britain, however, he later opted out. At the 2007 Monza Rally, Rossi again took first place.

Valentino Rossi is a very superstitious person and his pre-ride rituals are well known. On a race day, he will always watch the beginning of the 125cc race to see how long the starting lights remain lit before going out at the start of the race. Prior to riding (whether racing, qualifying, or practice), he will start his personal ritual by stopping about 2 metres from his bike, bending over and reaching for his boots (thus the 2004 TV spoiler "Are you ready boots?"). Then, when arriving at his bike, he will crouch down and hold the right-side foot-peg, with his head bowed. In an interview, Rossi said "It’s just a moment to focus and ‘talk’ to my bike, like moving from one place to the next."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbio.com/Valentino+Rossi/articles/VyUzAroFUYH/Zimbio+Exclusive+Interview+Valentino+Rossi |title=Zimbio Exclusive: Interview with Valentino Rossi |publisher=Zimbio.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-01}}</ref> He adjusts the fit of his leathers by standing straight up on the foot-pegs, whilst riding the pit-lane before the start of race or practice. He also revealed in an interview with MotoGP.com that he always puts one boot on before the other, one glove on before the other, and he always gets on the bike the same way. He also gets off the bike in the same way, swinging his right leg over the front of the bike.

According to Sports Illustrated, Rossi is one of the highest earning sports personalities in the world, having earned an estimated $34 million in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/index.20.html |title=SI.com – The Fortunate 50 |publisher=Sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-01}}</ref>

In 2009 Forbes ranked Rossi as number nine among the world's highest-paid athletes having earned an estimated $35 million in the past year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/top-earning-athletes-business-sports-top-earning-athletes_slide_10.html |title=Forbes.com – The World's Highest-Paid Athletes |publisher=Forbes.com |date= |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref>

Rossi's famous pet dog was Guido,<ref>some other facts on Rossi : [http://www.valentinorossi.fr/bio_and_other_facts_about_Rossi.htm Guido, Rossi's dog]</ref> <!-- this is not a reliable source --> a British bulldog which he has had since 2000. As Rossi frequently travels the world Guido could not stay in London and was living with Rossi's mother in Tavullia. Rossi could only see the dog while visiting her. Guido, whose image has been a mascot on Rossi’s bikes and helmets, died after the 2008 Australian GP and to pay tribute to him, the new World Champion designed a special sticker made up of Guido sporting a pair of angel wings and floating on celestial clouds. Guido has made some other appearances on Rossi's bike. When lagging 32 points in the 2006 championship, Guido was dressed with an Inuit suit. Guido was also wearing a prisoner suit during the pre season tests.

Guido's death has garnered so much attention that it was mentioned in Italy's top-selling sports newspaper the ''Gazzetta dello Sport''.

Since Guido's death, Rossi now has two new dogs (one male and one female), the new dogs are named Cesare and Cecilia. During the Misano GP in 2009, right after Rossi's mistake during Indianapolis, the two dogs were wearing donkey ears on Valentino's helmet.