Valentino Rossi: Full Interview

Graham travels to the Italian countryside of Tavullia to chat with nine-time MotoGP champion, Valentino Rossi. Rossi reflects on his life after racing, which include fatherhood and a focus on his VR46 foundation. The racing legend talks of dropping out of high school to pursue his passion, the tragic loss of a friend at the racetrack and a bet on himself when leaving the most dominant team in his sport.
0:00 - Why Valentino Rossi decided to retire
7:04 - Unique relationship with his parents
11:06 - Dad's near-death crash
15:00 - Dropping out of school
17:55 - His first big purchase
19:24 - Remembering Marco Simoncelli’s deadly crash
22:20 - Inspiration behind VR46
24:58 - Secret Ferrari F1 trial
27:32 - Lorenzzo tensions match Hamilton and Rosberg rivalry
33:53 - Addressing $163 million tax fraud claim
36:51 - Feeling scared before every race
42:10 - Pre-race superstitions
45:19 - Committing to girlfriend after ultimatum
52:30 - A tour of VR46 HQ’s warehouse
58:05 - Rossi's hidden Italian racing paradise
1:01:23 - A test drive in the rain with Graham
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2022.
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[@tolledcesofni7772]

Sports in general is better off because of Val. I met him in Austin; he was so curious, friendly, grounded, positive and humble. Apologetic, and with a huge smile he said, “I-I am sorry, my English, is not a so good!” His English was really quite fine. Upon introductions, he told me he was there and in Moto GP. He asked me several questions about my town, me and my family, and just left me feeling like what I had to say mattered. At the time I didn’t know who he was or anything about his sport. That day, I committed myself to learn all I could about Moto GP and eventually realize who I met that day. Salute Val, the sport will never be the same because of you, in a great way, and it’s going to shine a little less with out you on the grid. You won’t need it but I wish you the best of luck with the academy and parenting. I know we will see great things from both. Thank you for everything!

[@AVTheLimit]

"I never race for records. The motivation to try to beat the record is not enough to continue. You have to enjoy it." - Valentino Rossi

[@gon.042]

Really hope Marc finds that mindset too.

[@Brislu]

@@gon.042 he already found it. He's problem was that it was after he run of luck (let's face it that he was pushing a lot on he's body). I hope he returns but I hope he doesn't dominate again the way he did it or at least not in a such an easy way, after all, we as viewers like to se riders win championships on the last race for example. I really enjoyed the season when Marquez was out during 2020. it was everyone's chance and it definitely was as almost every race had a new rider. This season is when things are going south as the bikes are getting a bit extreme in a lot of ways.

[@gon.042]

@@Brislu I'm not so sure he did until he made the choice to get this last surgery, and I'll still have to see him on track to be sure. The fact that he was pushing himself as hard as he was without being 100% looked like he was trying to grasp at straws, like his carreer was slipping through his fingers, and it really wasn't the case (although it was close, because of how hard he pushed his body). It'll be great to see him come back and in the mix. And I don't think he'll dominate like he had before. His talent is undeniable, but every time there are more riders you can say that about too. And Honda is having all sorts of problems with their bike, they'll fix them, for sure, but I think it'll take at least a full season with Marc/Mir leading the development. This season has been wild too, just like 2020, it's all been about which riders are the most consistent.

[@antoninodimalta9202]

​@@Brislu I don't think he ever found it. To me he just wanted, and still wants, to win, just because he wants to be the first one above everyone else. I mean, it's totally legit and ok, its a race, everybody wants to win. But you don't almost kill people, to me he's like that

[@user-iw5ht4ep8z]

ロッシ選手さんは辞められたけど 何時までも素敵な選手さんは忘れないですね最高👧✌️

[@texomajohn2916]

People in the US have no idea of how big Vale is in the rest of the world , he was always Fast Fast Fast , and such a likable guy

[@jamie1997]

Yup. I live in the Midwest. Always a head nod for the rare vr46 shirt

[@yomommastupid]

Definitely one of the best interviews done by Graham. Really enjoy listening to Valentino. What a humble human and legendary racer.

[@colinvannurden3090]

European journalists wouldve killed for the access Graham got. Good job Graham.

[@ceirwan]

@@colinvannurden3090 After seeing his interview with Nikki Lauda, I would have given it to him as well, deffo the best interviewer.

[@errflow]

"Is the worst thing we can do. Now we do." Legend.

[@aravindlive9809]

A legend and a rare breed... we are lucky to be born in the same era of the Doctor ❤️

[@VR46314]

No one else has had the impact on motorsport than Vale,not senna not Schumacher not Hamilton. Every race even in Rivals home races was a home race for Rossi , F1 bang on about tifosi once a year when that was at most races for this man. The true GOAT 4️⃣6️⃣

[@Djinga]

Don’t include Senna in that category.

[@VR46314]

@@Djinga I’ll include who I want In it. Senna is probably my second biggest idol but he never had the impact on world tracks that Rossi did

[@Djinga]

@@VR46314 You clearly don’t know who Senna was then, did you even saw him race or were you even born then? Watch the footage of his funeral, in an age of no internet, no social media. Senna cannot be touched, don’t compare oranges and apples

[@VR46314]

@@Djinga I wasn’t born yes I have visited his mural in Brazil and the story of how the world grieved . You are the one comparing apples and oranges . When senna was alive he didn’t have what Rossi had Comparing death with modern sport dominance

[@mercamia]

even if Senna is a legend of his own, no one else had what Rossi has, 5 generations of rivals, a very successful academy that makes champions, and eternal passion for racing either 2 wheels or 4 wheels.

[@gregoriofracassi9776]

For us Italians, and for many more I think, his career has been such a fun ride. He's one of those characters that just makes you connect to whatever he's doing. And his storylines and races were just stuff of legend, and he's always been a hilarious guy on top of that. On a side note, and maybe because of this connection that he created between people and racing, the passing of Sic has been for me incredibly touching. The guy was my age, incredibly down to earth and had that same adventure spirit that Vale has. Never had I or have I to this day felt so deeply for the passing of someone I didn't personally know, I'll never forget that morning. 🙏

[@Kdubbzism]

I remember watching the crash with Simoncelli, it was heartbreaking. He was also my age, born 7 days after me! It was hard to believe he was gone.

[@nghonleong]

Everyone in MotoGP mourned when Simoncelli was killed and it happened at my home track Sepang. Each time we pass Turn 11 toward 12, his memories lives on with us.

[@dwnnn7390]

Vale makes me want to go to Italy!!!!

[@Joitaru]

Thanks for the 21 years of joy! I started to follow him in 2000.

[@KirtFitzpatrick]

Can I get your autograph?

[@HOBOLOCO13]

Same here! He got me into motorcycle racing.

[@ReddReigns]

Love how he jokingly asked if Vale put the stickers on his bike in the shop and Vale responds so proudly with “yes, I put the stickers on” 😅

[@zxr-cade2026]

Michael Schumacher and Valentino Rossi are my biggest heroes they both had such an impact on me and Formula 1 and MotoGP and they achieved so much during there illustrations careers The fact that Rossi managed to do 26 years in the world championship alone is just beyond me, from the age of 17 to 42 winning 9 world titles and 115 Grand Prix And then there’s the podium stat which is just crazy 235 podiums and he scored at least 1 podium in 25 of the 26 years, that’s f***ing insane and he’s also the only rider to have achieved over 200 podiums not even anyone in formula 1 has achieved that I would personally rank Valentino Rossi as a very close second to my biggest hero Michael Schumacher as I said before these 2 are my biggest heroes and they will forever remain my biggest heroes Keep fighting Michael 🐐🐐🐐🐴🐴🐴🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🏆🏆🏆🏆 Grazie Vale 🏍🏍🏍👑👑👑🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@sandordomonkos8351]

schumacher is not a hero, he is a dirty cheater

[@fs6086]

His father is very strict and rossi was stressed. Then the separation made him the freedom living with his mom. What an epic story..❤

[@DillandShaj]

Valentino is a guy you know is genuinely a good person. He is so full of life and down to earth. He really uses all the experiences he has gained over the years to be a better person. One of the best interviews ever, great job Graham!

[@lightningmcqueen181]

To be clear..Rossi didn't get slower or over the hill. He improved his lap times every race his last year.. It's Yamaha sitting on its hands ever since 2018 they have done nothing to improve the M1 And that's quite obvious now, unless the anomaly that is Yamaha and Fabio Quattraro is considered a success when the 3 other bikes fill the back of the grid.With 2 outta 3 unbelievably talented riders

[@Adrmeisterwerk]

yamaha has been idling since 2016

[@cal91bck]

Would've been nice to.see him try the awesome new Ducati just to exorcise 2011-2012....miss him alot, filled my Sundays from 2002

[@DarthwRath]

The GOAT. His name and colors will forever grace the motorsport world. 45:33 lol, his reaction to his gf. 1:02:12 Valentino Rossi, MotoGP Deity and lawbreaker in his own ranch. Ya gotta love this guy.

[@MsBaby1959]

My kids both love him! Actually here in Italy I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t love The Doctor n. 46. We’ve also been to his hometown and it’s awesome. When my kids we’re little they begged me to buy the the Valentino pencil case for school. They stil cherish it after over 20 years.

[@tawonezvichuru5630]

The one thing that makes Rossi different is that he loved riding motorcycles and was fast racing them and made it enjoyable for us who watched it. He brought enjoyment to the sport and attracted fans to it in such a different way. The celebrations were impeccable.

[@padisuromertani]

Vale is genuine a good person to talk with great personality... Always smiling and always take everything easy, especially after he pension from MotoGP It seems like he take every controversy that happened in the past without a hard feeling actually

[@tduic]

Oh, don't be fooled about the 2015. it will take many many years to swallow that one. Maybe never.

[@talerngngamkajornwiwat5635]

Rossi is our inspiration for getting on a bike and go to a racing track. I can watch his videos over and over for many times and still love them.

[@gustave371967]

when i first came in Italy in 97, i spent time in a family in Toscana. The entire family , grand parents included , turned crazy while watching moto racing on tv. there were posters of valentino rossi and nastro azzuro beers all around my room. I will never forget those days :)

[@alexcraig8543]

A magical personality - larger than life, yet as humble as can be. Such an inspirational character, Valle is. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors, and look forward to many more years of legendary achievements.

[@nicholasbishop3300]

Fantastic interview I remember very fondly my time in Tavulia in2016. Enjoying lunch at Valentino's restaurant and walking through the peaceful and beautiful streets of this pretty little town. Thanks for a thoroughly in-depth and professional interview with The Greatest Of All Time All the best for your future as a parent Valentino's. Kindest Nick Australia

[@joshuavarghese6853]

After following Valentino over the years, there are many things I admire about him but I am downright envious of how much this man enjoys the simple things in life. Legend off the track too. Here is to hoping that the best years of his life are yet to come. Grazie Vale!

[@stevans6942]

Great guy, didn't see him retire coz he was in great shape, he was not under pressure to must win, people love him and only to be there was enough. I'm glad he is doing fine and being happy and healthy, Doctor.

[@todpet313]

Compressing time with motorsports most important man since Senna. One hour felt like 15 min. Thank you, Valle, for the legacy you continue to bring to the world!

[@chrisbee9643]

Grazie mille Valentino!!! Grew up watching you crushing the competition! Became a fan in 96 after you hoped the fence to use the Dixie in Brno. :D Thank you for all the moments over all these years!!! I WILL ADMIRE YOU FOREVER!!! YOU ARE MY HERO AND MY IDOL!!! You are my god of 2 Wheels as Ayrton is of 4!!! Big love from Germany Vale!!!

[@patmorabito766]

True champion there will never be a any one like him again well done VR46

[@anthok6911]

What a inspiring man and what a humility. Valentino, you are the third pro athlete who influenced me the most in my life after Lewis Hamilton and Usain Bolt. It was a blessing to have watched win your ninth and last title in 2009 and. You're a legend and a great person even if I never met you but I hope to have this opportunity. I will continue to follow your journey specifically in auto endurance racing now 🙏🏾❤️.

[@klefdnb]

In the part "committing with the girlfriend" i love how Valentino is careless about the conversation... He is just crushing the food!!! LOVE HIM!

[@grimhustleitalia]

I was in Misano in October 2021, last home race in motorcycle, the adult day I cry the most. Thank you Doc

[@AlessandroAbatePhotography]

This interview is a 10/10. Absolutely magnificent and incredibly enjoyable. Congrats to both of you! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bethschneider5223]

What a inspiration. Now I understand what loving something means.

[@classicraceruk1337]

Rossi is the only rider I have seen in 50 years who could have matched John Surtees. Mike Hailwood was another one from further back in time that had that potential.

[@rambitomone]

about Giacomo AGOSTINI? ....

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@rambitomone Ago did not drive in Championship F1, he competed in non championship F1 and F2. This means he had no chance of matching Surtees. Hailwood raced in the F1 championship so was in with a chance.

[@rambitomone]

@@classicraceruk1337 good point...other times other places..

[@Mitaka80z]

Valentino-just a real, down to earth Guy, and that's why he is a legendary racer and a great person! Love you Vale!!!

[@lindobonga479]

One thing I love about Rossi he is so friendly And he is real about himself

[@Synth2000]

What a beautiful thing he is doing creating jobs and giving back both to the sport and his community. Forza Vale

[@fraidwoodcesco]

What a wonderful interview ❤ Thank you! I just love Vale ❤ He brings me joy since when I was a kid! Thanks Valentino!!

[@rameshshetty6388]

No filter straight from heart.

[@evacsizmazia4465]

One of the most natural reports..what a simple humble natural guy!!Congratulations to Graham as well....well done!!!

[@montybrewster7]

Great interview with an absolute legend. Thanks graham, great stuff.

[@TheThemattyo1]

I have met with Valentino once , we talked for about 5 minutes. He is down to earth and I still can not believe how a nice person can transform into an all out Demon on race day . Valetino is from another star system. 🤔

[@nghonleong]

Wonderful interview and as usual, Vale speaks with passion and unscripted. He truly brought MotoGP to where we are today and everyone, have to thank him for that.

[@belight46]

VR46 forever 💛💛💛

[@chriskirby5879]

One of the best guys, speaks such sense especially about how important it is for children to have a sport. @graham, Thank you so much for this interview.

[@radrcer]

Finally. Thank you for posting

[@stevematthis3199]

The humble legend.

[@reactivator]

Probably one of the best interviews I have ever seen. Amazing

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Great video Graham, everymans hero

[@amroshiyahin1]

Real humble guy 🙌🙌🙌

[@davt8615]

A loved watching this guy become boss!! You had cappirosi, baros, hayden, n he left them to bits ❤️

[@Carrm3ist3r]

Great interview Graham! #46

[@user-bu2en3cl6s]

I nearly lost it when he said, "important soccer players". That was HILARIOUS.

[@jackfrombg4498]

I know about Rossi since my early teens, but never seen a full interview with him. Now since i am into bikes too, and watching this interview i just can say: wow this guy is so loveable. Cool guy and easy to relate to.

[@rensmiedema2061]

I love this interview!!! Absolutely love it!!

[@Btechbuoy]

The best Interview i have seen so far 🙌 👌 👏 ❤❤

[@bartofilms]

Awesome. Mid 2024 and 1st time I watched this. I have some great memories from attending the MotoGP races at Laguna Seca.

[@CogumeloMagico28]

Graham you are the best interviewer im a huge fan, and im a huge fan of rossi and i never even followed motoGP. Good luck to both your lives.

[@dk_noobmaster46]

even Vale don't ride Motogp bike anymore, it's a enjoy feeling to see him driving onboard with GT3 car this season. Looks fresh and like watch him in rookie season in Motogp.

[@chrisbee9643]

09:50 I sure can agree on that... Same here... Always fought with my dad as I was a teenager... The older I get, the more I realize, how right he was!!!

[@rochellestanley9532]

Very enjoyable interview 👏

[@ninadganore]

Even as a die hard Marquez fan I have to admit that Rossi is very entertaining to watch Rossi talk.

[@jayd.5043]

He is the best. Not just as the Champion racer: wonderful intellect and a conversationalist.

[@agwadaniel6523]

Rossi's accent is very interesting. . . Makes me very happy😄

[@mattcardarelli]

Unreal how well spoken he is. Amazing person

[@edjed7704]

Listening to vale is just for ever, this man is God to any form of motorsport, not just by talent, but by being the guy he is just loving going fast and enjoy all aspects of it and around it! Legend for ever and alway's!!

[@rajeshmahapatra0046]

He is the best. Best character. Legend. Best of best. #vr46

[@Nowayout365]

I’m glad that we have you. You a very special human. God bless Valentino to you and your family like your wife said you the number one of all time in the MotoGP and the sad part is we will never have another one not like you my brother.

[@imranmuhamm]

Great job, 👏 such beautiful interview and very well prepared questions. O DOUBT DOTORO IS THE LEGEND AND SUPER COOL HUMAN. 😇🔥

[@viviarizona70]

This interview is enjoyeble

[@dinot71]

That was awesome.

[@eugendumitriu8550]

this man is a legend alive, respect 😍😍

[@brad5983]

No one will ever compare or match Rossi.

[@anggakomeng]

LEGEND!!! 1:04 hours is I’m watch like do not feel. Incredible humble person #46 ☀️🌙

[@MarkSiosal]

What a guy. I don't get starstruck when I see ultra famous ppl. Valle is different. My dog's name is Tino lol. Patterdale terrier. Fast af and tenacious to a fault sometimes. Total icon of the sport. Of all sports in fact.

[@jimmyc6686]

Fabulous guy! Would love to see the full Dana white interview.

[@sportemart6395]

Who?

[@yayarearaidernation510]

The day I was introduced to Rossi in 96, I knew a star was born, now LEGEND VR46!

[@nope.c]

An Icon! 🤘

[@royalbee9088]

Absolute goat 🐐 the end .😊

[@haryosoo]

IMO his "soleluna" trademark is also a tribute to his parents, not just an expression of his own personality (he said in his autobio IIRC that the sun and moon represent his bright and dark side)

[@davidlees9096]

I've had a talk with at Silverstone what a brilliant guy he showed me his bike

[@jeffrey8829]

More video’s white valentino Rossi 💛46💛 forever!!! 🏍

[@johnrhodes101875]

I was watching another interview with him and found out about nicky hayden that was upsetting I've been out of watching gp for a long time retire in 2015 and get hit on a damn bike cycle in 2017 wasnt even in the US I think Italy damn shame

[@JohnnyBlankify]

Legend!

[@dwnnn7390]

Probably the 5th or 6th time I've watched! Rossi his lust for life is infectious

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

VR46 is literally a cottage industry. That's warehouse is amazing!

[@manoliswec5674]

oldschool character, new age professional

[@tonyjackson3607]

The noises he makes at the middle and the end of his sentences sounds like a motorbike. Legend! that’s not a dig .

[@shorifulislam8619]

My favourite rider

[@shin-ishikiri-no]

This guy survived some insane races.

[@GiuseppeM75]

Simply the GOAT

[@preformance888]

The legend❤️

[@robertocampos6064]

One word, LEGEND!

[@azls73]

I FELT WEIRD WHEN I COULD NOT FIND NO 46 ON THE STARTING LIST !!! P/S - MARCO 58 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN RIP !!

[@JorgeParma]

I am Italian, Living 100 kilómetros From Valentino…. But this is the best interview and most sincere I heard … congratulations

[@kurtlessert8434]

You the best Doktor for ever ❤

[@frankalbers2367]

I relate with him when he talks about his parents and he says he doesn't call them "mom and dad"

[@gon.042]

Isn't this an old interview? I think I saw it last year.

[@Ngomiri]

The Among of impact that valentino did not only in Motorsport but whole throughout the world is just immense.Just ask any person who Valentino Rossi is, most of the people knows who he his and even if someone denies that they haven't heard that name ( In Rare cases ). No Way they haven't heard of VR46. It's not a Name it's a Brand . Even the term Legend is a little bit less for him. The Only term that would be perfect for him is 🐐.

[@dangrimes5078]

I have to disagree. At least in America I would probably have trouble finding someone who knows who he is. Motorcycle racing is an obscure sport.

[@manishaviator]

30:50 In 2012, I was curious what happened between VR46 and Yamaha behind the scenes !

[@avimallick60]

Best Moto GP driver ever🔥🔥🔥