Valentino Rossi reflects on career-defining crashes and near tragedies

Rossi recalls his worst injuries, the fear of racing, and the loss of Marco Simoncelli.

Valentino Rossi of Italy at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar, on February 20, 2025. Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images

By Yuni Utomo and Adila Ghina

In more than two decades of MotoGP, Valentino Rossi has experienced both triumph and terrifying moments on the track. The nine-time world champion, who turned 46 this year, recently revisited some of the most harrowing incidents of his career in an interview with Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera.

Rossi, one of the sport’s most celebrated figures, has endured numerous falls—some of them violent enough to threaten his career. One of his most painful memories dates back to 2010 at Mugello, where he suffered an open fracture of the right tibia and fibula. The gruesome injury, caused by a massive crash, left him in unbearable pain.

“I have never felt so much pain,” Rossi recalled. “Pain like that is unbearable, and the sight of it was just as terrifying. You could see the bone sticking out of my leg, and I had the feeling that a part of my body had detached.”

Despite the severity of the injury, Rossi’s resilience saw him miss only four races before making a remarkable comeback. Just twelve rounds later, he stood atop the podium in Malaysia, proving his incredible mental and physical fortitude.

Overcoming fear in MotoGP

For many, witnessing such brutal crashes raises the question: do riders ever feel fear? While MotoGP racers are known for their courage, the dangers of the sport are ever-present. Rossi acknowledged that, despite their ability to push past fear, it always lingers in the background—especially when disaster is narrowly avoided.

One such moment came at the Red Bull Ring in 2020, when Franco Morbidelli and Johann Zarco’s bikes nearly struck Rossi and Maverick Viñales at high speed. The crash, which could have been fatal, was one of the most terrifying experiences of his life.

“Morbidelli’s bike passed me like a bullet,” Rossi recounted. “It was the scariest moment of my career, and it played a big role in my decision to retire at the end of 2021. The next morning, I was just grateful to be alive. I was very lucky.”

Remembering Marco Simoncelli

Beyond his own experiences, Rossi also reflected on the tragic loss of his close friend Marco Simoncelli, who died in a crash during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix.

“We just passed his birthday, on January 20. Fortunately, thoughts soften with time,” Rossi said. “I always think about how it’s a shame not to have seen him grow in MotoGP, to see what he could have achieved. He was so generous and full of potential. It’s a regret I will always carry.”

Rossi’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that comes with a life spent racing at the highest level. While MotoGP is often celebrated for its speed and excitement, the risks are ever-present, and only a select few can endure both the highs and the lows that come with the pursuit of greatness.

As fans continue to admire his legacy, Rossi’s words serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who push the limits of what’s possible on two wheels.

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