By Will Burgess

Misano, Italy — After an emotional weekend, Valentino Rossi raced in the final Grand Prix at his hometown track in Misano, Italy. Met with a sea of neon yellow in the stands, Rossi, also known as The Doctor, is set to retire at the end of the swiftly approaching 2021 season. Only two tournaments, in Portimão and Valencia, remain.

Meanwhile this Sunday, the anticipation came to a head in what was a spectacular turn of events, that saw Fabiano Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) become the first French national to achieve MotoGP World Champion status, with 267 points for the 2021 season.

El Diablo’s rival, Francesco Bagnaia, racing for Ducati, failed to finish after crashing in the few remaining laps of the race, disallowing him to catch up with Quartararo before the end of the calendar.

One thing can be said for sure: 2021 has been one incredible season!

Cover: Valentino Rossi embraces fans and colleagues at his final appearance at his hometown track. Thousands turned out in the stands to celebrate his storied career. | credit: Rainer Herhaus

Will Burgess is a journalist with Adrenaline Powersports Mag