MotoGP riders recall their first racing memory

Valentino Rossi's legacy continues to inspire the current MotoGP grid.

Valentino Rossi of Italy and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP is seen during practice for the MotoGP of Catalunya at Circuit de Barcelona on June 3, 2016, in Montmelo, Spain. Photo by Vladimir Rys/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Adila Ghina

With the 2025 MotoGP season just around the corner, riders on the current grid have taken a moment to reflect on their earliest racing memories. For many, these recollections are intertwined with the legendary career of Valentino Rossi, whose influence on the sport continues to shape the new generation of racers.

Valentino Rossi’s career debut left a lasting impression on thousands of aspiring riders around the world, and even after more than two decades, his impact remains undeniable. Many of today’s top riders recall their first MotoGP memories being linked to Rossi’s remarkable achievements, particularly his era-defining performances on the yellow Honda NSR500 during the early 2000s.

Johann Zarco's first MotoGP memory: A glimpse of Rossi’s 500cc dominance

Johann Zarco, a veteran of the MotoGP paddock, was one of the riders who reminisced about his first significant MotoGP memory. The Frenchman, who grew up idolizing the sport, recalled watching a race from the 500cc era, a time when two-stroke machines dominated the grid.

"My first memory of MotoGP? I want to say that it is a memory of 500cc. Because I started riding at nine years old, in 1999-2000. And I remember seeing Valentino Rossi on television on his yellow bike. The yellow Honda 500cc. That is my first memory of the race and of MotoGP," Zarco shared.

This period in MotoGP history was a pivotal moment for the sport, marking Rossi’s ascension to the premier class. In 2000, during his first season in the 500cc category, Rossi finished as vice-world champion behind Kenny Roberts Jr. A year later, in 2001, he claimed his first title in the premier class, solidifying his status as a MotoGP icon.

Rossi’s dominance aboard the Honda NSR500 from the Nastro Azzurro team is etched in the memories of many riders, with Zarco not being the only one to recall the significance of that time.

Joan Mir also recalls Rossi’s yellow Honda

Joan Mir, the 2020 MotoGP world champion, echoed Zarco’s sentiments about Rossi’s yellow Honda. For Mir, the image of Rossi on the NSR500 represents more than just a racing memory—it symbolizes a turning point in MotoGP history.

"That yellow Honda remains one of the most iconic images in MotoGP. Rossi’s debut in the premier class was something special, and I remember watching those races as a child. It was incredible to see how he dominated in 2001, winning 11 of 16 races. That was a true masterclass in racing," Mir stated.

The yellow Honda NSR500, which Rossi rode to his first premier-class title, was a symbol of transition—the end of the 500cc era and the dawn of the four-stroke MotoGP machines that would follow in 2002. This era-defining shift left a strong impression on many of today’s riders.

Pecco Bagnaia and Brad Binder recall Rossi’s 2005 Yamaha era

While the NSR500 remains a common memory among some riders, others, including reigning MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia and Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder, remember a different Rossi moment—the 2005 season aboard Yamaha.

"When I was a kid, I remember watching Rossi win on the Yamaha. That was one of the seasons that really made me dream of becoming a MotoGP rider," Bagnaia revealed.

In 2005, Rossi was at the peak of his career, securing his fifth consecutive premier-class title and his second with Yamaha. The season is widely regarded as one of his best, with dominant performances that left a lasting impact on the sport.

Binder, who has also expressed admiration for Rossi’s career, added, "The battles he had in the mid-2000s were legendary. Watching those fights, especially against Sete Gibernau and later Casey Stoner, was unforgettable. I think those moments shaped a lot of us who are now in MotoGP."

The enduring influence of Valentino Rossi on MotoGP’s new generation

The fact that so many riders on today’s grid recall their first MotoGP memory involving Valentino Rossi speaks volumes about his influence on the sport. Whether it was his breakthrough on the NSR500, his legendary battles in the mid-2000s, or his later years still competing at the highest level, Rossi's impact is undeniable.

Fabio Quartararo, another rider who grew up watching Rossi, noted how the Italian's career played a significant role in inspiring him. "Rossi was the reason many of us wanted to be MotoGP riders. He brought so much passion and excitement to the sport. Even now, when we race, we feel his presence in some way," Quartararo said.

Even newer talents like Pedro Acosta and Marco Bezzecchi have spoken about their admiration for Rossi. Acosta, a rising star in MotoGP, acknowledged how his generation grew up with Rossi as their idol. "For me, watching MotoGP as a kid meant watching Rossi. He was the superstar of the sport, and I think we all wanted to be like him when we were young."

Looking ahead to the 2025 MotoGP season

As the 2025 season approaches, the current grid of MotoGP riders will look to create their own memorable moments, just as Rossi did in his prime. With the championship set to feature intense battles, rising stars, and new rivalries, the sport continues to evolve while maintaining the legacy of past greats.

With reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia aiming to defend his title, Fabio Quartararo looking to reclaim the top spot, and the likes of Jorge Martín, Brad Binder, and Enea Bastianini pushing to make their mark, the season promises to be as thrilling as ever.

Yet, no matter how much MotoGP evolves, the impact of legends like Valentino Rossi will always be present in the minds of fans and riders alike. The memories of Rossi’s greatest moments continue to serve as inspiration for the next generation, ensuring that his legacy remains a defining part of MotoGP history.

As MotoGP enters a new era, one thing remains certain: the riders of today are carrying forward the dreams that legends like Rossi once ignited, proving that the magic of racing continues to inspire across generations.

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