THE DOCTOR IS OUT
PHOTO ESSAY
Valentino Rossi’s career through the lens of Gigi Soldano.
He may be best known as The Doctor, but he’s long since evolved into a whole different animal: the GOAT. Greatest Of All Time. It’s hard to argue against Valentino Rossi’s impact on Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Even 15-time world champion and original GOAT Giacomo Agostini would likely nod in agreement. In 26 seasons of GP racing, Rossi earned 115 wins, 235 podium finishes, and nine championships, seven of those in the MotoGP class. But Rossi’s character, passion, and charisma shine brighter than any of his trophies. His fans are forever faithful, his presence is noticed everywhere he goes, and he has taken MotoGP to parts of the world that may not have even seen motorcycle racing before he brought it there.
Photographer Gigi Soldano has been there and seen it all through his viewfinder. From Rossi’s first 125cc race, Soldano has chronicled the achievements of the bright yellow sun that is Rossi. But more importantly he has communicated Rossi’s lust for life, capturing Rossi’s speed and tenacity in an instant of action. His photos are a glimpse inside Rossi’s head and heart.
Without these images, Rossi would still be the GOAT. But Soldano’s photos have contributed to Rossi’s immortality. Rossi will retire from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 2021 MotoGP season. Ciao, Valentino. And grazie mille, Gigi.
Justin Dawes
