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    Moto GP 2022 calendar: Race schedule, dates, tracks as brand-new season begins THIS WEEKEND at Losail Circuit in Qatar

    BUCKLE up Moto GP fans, as the brand spanking new season is right around the corner ready to keep you entertained.Fabio Quartararo became the first French man to win a Moto GP title in last season’s unforgettable campaign.

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The 22-year-old will go all out to defend his crown against all-comers when the new season begins.
    The 2022 race season will also be the first to NOT feature Moto GP legend and six-time champion Valentino Rossi for 23 years.
    When does the Moto GP 2022 season start?
    The brand-new season will get underway on Sunday, March 6, 2022, THIS WEEKEND.
    The first race will take place at the Losail Circuit in Qatar.
    The final race of the season will be held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on Sunday November 6, 2022.
    There are 21 races in total, with Fabio Qaurtarao looking to defend his title.
    Moto GP 2022 race calendar:

    Race: Qatar Grand Prix 🇶🇦
    Date: March 6, 2022
    Track: Losail
    Result:

    Race: Indonesia Grand Prix 🇮🇩
    Date: March 20, 2022
    Track: Mandalika
    Result:

    Race: Argentine Grand Prix 🇦🇷
    Date: April 3, 2022
    Track: Termas de Rio Mondo
    Result:

    Race: USA Grand Prix 🇺🇸
    Date: April 10, 2022
    Track: Circuit of the Americas
    Result:

    Race: Portugal Grand Prix 🇵🇹
    Date: April 24, 2022
    Track: Portimao
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: May 1, 2022
    Track: Jerez
    Result:

    Race: French Grand Prix 🇫🇷
    Date: May 15, 2022
    Track: Le Mans
    Result:

    Race: Italian Grand Prix 🇮🇹
    Date: May 29, 2022
    Track: Mugello
    Result:

    Race: Catalan Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: June 5, 2022
    Track: Catalunya
    Result:

    Race: German Grand Prix 🇩🇪
    Date: June 19, 2022
    Track: Sachsenring
    Result:

    Race: Dutch Grand Prix 🇳🇱
    Date: June 26, 2022
    Track: Assen
    Result:

    Race: Finnish Grand Prix 🇫🇮
    Date: July 10, 2022
    Track: Kymiring
    Result:

    Race: British Grand Prix 🇬🇧
    Date: August 7, 2022
    Track: Silverstone
    Result:

    Race: Austrian Grand Prix 🇦🇹
    Date: August 21, 2022
    Track: Red Bull Ring
    Result:

    Race: Italian Grand Prix 🇮🇹
    Date: September 4, 2022
    Track: Misano
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: September 18, 2022
    Track: Motorland
    Result:

    Race: Japanese Grand Prix 🇯🇵
    Date: September 25, 2022
    Track: Motegi
    Result:

    Race: Thai Grand Prix 🇹🇭
    Date: October 2, 2022
    Track: Chang
    Result:

    Race: Australian Grand Prix 🇦🇺
    Date: October 16, 2022
    Track: Phillip Island
    Result:

    Race: Malaysian Grand Prix 🇲🇾
    Date: October 23, 2022
    Track: Sepang
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: November 6, 2022
    Track: Ricardo Tormo
    Result:

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    Valentino Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini ready to fill the void left by MotoGP legend ahead of new season

    THE MotoGP season kicks off this weekend in Qatar as the sport adjusts to life without Valentino Rossi.But one rider looking to fill the void left by the charismatic seven-times world champion is his half-brother, Luca Marini.
    Valentino Rossi’s VR46 racing team’s Luca Marini hopes to step out of half-brother Rossi’s shadow in his second MotoGP campaignCredit: Getty
    Ducati Lenovo’s Italian ace Francesco Bagnaia is one of the title favouritesCredit: AFP
    Marini, 24, is riding for Rossi’s VR46 racing team, which is making its debut in the championship.
    And Marini, who himself will be in his second season, is now ready to step out of the sizable shadow of his big brother – although warns that he’s not yet ready to fight for the title.
    He said: “I’m really, really excited for the start of this new season because I am feeling great.
    “Last year was tough. It was difficult because at the beginning of the season, we didn’t have many days of testing, so I was always in a rush during the season to be competitive.
    “This year, I have prepared myself much better and the two tests this season went great, so I’m really happy for my personal growth and feel that this year, I can enjoy it a lot more.
    “It is still a little bit too early to say that I can fight for the title but the level of MotoGP now means every rider is so close because we all have a factory bike or similar.
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    “In my opinion, we can be the underdogs.
    “The fight for the championship will be between Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartarar and Marc Marquez but we don’t have anything to lose and maybe we can risk a little bit more, unlike these guys who need to win the world championship.
    “We can balance the fight between these guys but I think that now I’m not ready to fight for the title because also the team is new and we have to grow.”
    The family link means that Marini comes under inevitable pressure to deliver but he says he is now used to coping with that elevated level of expectation.
    And he says that he is not afraid to tap into Rossi’s vast experience, who raced in MotoGP from 2000 to 2021.
    He added: “The pressure is not something that I never suffered too much from. Maybe because of my mentality.
    It is difficult to take something from him because Vale is the best rider in the history of the sport but lived in a different era.Luca MariniMOTOGP CALENDARThe 2022 season will see a record-breaking calendar of 21 races taking place across 17 countries.

    6 March – Qatar, Losail20 March – Indonesia, Mandalika3 April – Argentina, Termas de Rio Hondo10 April – USA, Circuit of the Americas24 April – Portugal – Portimao1 May – Spain, Jerez15 May – France, Le Mans29 May – Italy, Mugello5 June – Catalunya, Barcelona19 June – Germany, Sachsenring26 June – Netherlands, Assen10 July – Finland, KymiRing7 August – Great Britain, Silverstone21 August – Austria, Red Bull Ring4 September – San Marino, Misano18 September – Aragon25 September – Japan, Motegi2 October – Thailand, Buriram16 October – Australia, Phillip Island23 October – Malaysia, Sepang6 November – Valencia, Ricardo Tormo

    “When I was a child, this link between myself and Valentino was a lot less. When I came closer to racing in the world championship, it became bigger and it was not easy at first.
    “But I learnt to deal with that pressure because I have very big goals for myself, so I don’t have any more pressure from outside of my ambition and what I want to achieve.
    “At the beginning of my career I did speak to Vale more because I didn’t have experience and I was asking about tracks and tyres.
    “Now it is a little bit different and difficult to take something from him because Vale is the best rider in the history of the sport but he lived in a different era.
    “But now I think this year he can help me a little bit more. We speak at every GP and he can help me be more consistent.
    “I want to be competitive at all the tracks and in all the conditions. I want to improve my weakness and be the best rider I can from the start of the season.
    “If you do these steps and you show your talent and your speed, then I am confident the results will come.”
    MotoGP 2022 GRID
    Aprilia Racing#12 Maverick Vinales#41 Aleix Espargaro
    Ducati Lenovo Team#43 Jack Miller#63 Francesco Bagnaia
    Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati#23 Enea Bastianini#49 Fabio Di Giannantonio
    Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati#10 Luca Marini#72 Marco Bezzecchi
    Pramac Racing Ducati#5 Johann Zarco#89 Jorge Martin
    LCR Honda#30 Takaaki Nakagami#73 Alex Marquez
    Repsol Honda Team#44 Pol Espargaro#93 Marc Marquez
    Red Bull KTM Factory Racing#33 Brad Binder#88 Miguel Oliveira
    Tech3 KTM Factory Racing#25 Raul Fernandez#87 Remy Gardner
    Team Suzuki Ecstar#36 Joan Mir#42 Alex Rins
    Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP#20 Fabio Quartararo#21 Franco Morbidelli
    WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team#04 Andrea Dovizioso#40 Darryn Binder More

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    Moto GP 2022 calendar: Race schedule, dates, tracks for brand-new season as Fabio Quartararo looks to defend title

    BUCKLE up Moto GP fans, as the brand spanking new season is right around the corner ready to keep you entertained.Fabio Quartararo became the first French man to win a Moto GP title in last season’s unforgettable campaign.

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The 22-year-old will go all out to defend his crown against all-comers when the new season begins.
    The 2022 race season will also be the first to NOT feature Moto GP legend and six-time champion Valentino Rossi for 23 years.
    When does the Moto GP 2022 season start?
    The brand-new season will get underway on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
    The first race will take place at the Losail Circuit in Qatar.
    The final race of the season will be held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on Sunday November 6, 2022.
    There are 21 races in total, with Fabio Qaurtarao looking to defend his title.
    Moto GP 2022 race calendar:

    Race: Qatar Grand Prix 🇶🇦
    Date: March 6, 2022
    Track: Losail
    Result:

    Race: Indonesia Grand Prix 🇮🇩
    Date: March 20, 2022
    Track: Mandalika
    Result:

    Race: Argentine Grand Prix 🇦🇷
    Date: April 3, 2022
    Track: Termas de Rio Mondo
    Result:

    Race: USA Grand Prix 🇺🇸
    Date: April 10, 2022
    Track: Circuit of the Americas
    Result:

    Race: Portugal Grand Prix 🇵🇹
    Date: April 24, 2022
    Track: Portimao
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: May 1, 2022
    Track: Jerez
    Result:

    Race: French Grand Prix 🇫🇷
    Date: May 15, 2022
    Track: Le Mans
    Result:

    Race: Italian Grand Prix 🇮🇹
    Date: May 29, 2022
    Track: Mugello
    Result:

    Race: Catalan Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: June 5, 2022
    Track: Catalunya
    Result:

    Race: German Grand Prix 🇩🇪
    Date: June 19, 2022
    Track: Sachsenring
    Result:

    Race: Dutch Grand Prix 🇳🇱
    Date: June 26, 2022
    Track: Assen
    Result:

    Race: Finnish Grand Prix 🇫🇮
    Date: July 10, 2022
    Track: Kymiring
    Result:

    Race: British Grand Prix 🇬🇧
    Date: August 7, 2022
    Track: Silverstone
    Result:

    Race: Austrian Grand Prix 🇦🇹
    Date: August 21, 2022
    Track: Red Bull Ring
    Result:

    Race: Italian Grand Prix 🇮🇹
    Date: September 4, 2022
    Track: Misano
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: September 18, 2022
    Track: Motorland
    Result:

    Race: Japanese Grand Prix 🇯🇵
    Date: September 25, 2022
    Track: Motegi
    Result:

    Race: Thai Grand Prix 🇹🇭
    Date: October 2, 2022
    Track: Chang
    Result:

    Race: Australian Grand Prix 🇦🇺
    Date: October 16, 2022
    Track: Phillip Island
    Result:

    Race: Malaysian Grand Prix 🇲🇾
    Date: October 23, 2022
    Track: Sepang
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: November 6, 2022
    Track: Ricardo Tormo
    Result:

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    MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi retires to glam lifestyle with former grid-girl Wag, 14-years his junior, and a £4m yacht

    VALENTINO ROSSI has hung up his helmet on an illustrious 25-year MotoGP career.The Italian motorcycle rider, 42, said goodbye in an emotional farewell at Sunday’s Valencia Grand Prix.
    Valentino Rossi said goodbye to MotoGP in an emotional farewell at the Valencia Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    In an illustrious 25-year MotoGP career Rossi won nine world championshipsCredit: Rex
    His retirement drew well wishes from tennis legend Roger Federer, Hollywood movie star Tom Cruise, as well as F1 heroes Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
    Rossi won nine world championships in the motorsport, amassing a wealth of around £150million.
    Now, he can enjoy a well-earned rest with Wag Francesca Sofia Novello, 14-years his junior.
    The Doctor can also take his luxury yacht, worth £4million, out for a spin whenever he likes.
    GLAM WAG
    Valentino met glam partner Francesca in 2018.
    She is a former lingerie model, who was the face of various fashion campaigns in Milan.
    But, the pair prefer to keep their romance private and rarely share anything about the relationship.
    Even on Francesca’s Instagram, which has almost half a million followers, there’s very few glimpses into their lifestyle.
    However, she was a regular in the paddock – playing the role of supportive Wag during the racing legend’s final seasons on the circuit.
    Gorgeous Italian model Francesca Sofia Novello is Rossi’s girlfriend
    Francesca is 14-years Rossi’s junior
    Francesca shows off her curves in lingerie
    A former MotoGP grid girl, Francesca has half a million followers on Instagram
    The gorgeous brunette once worked as a MotoGP grid girl, but revealed a horror ordeal when she was groped.
    Sofia told Vanity Fair: “In reality it is a job like many others, a stage in my career of which I am proud.
    “At 19 it’s not easy to work with people who look at your butt when you pass by, and touch your butt when you take a picture.
    “Motorsport is a male environment. You have to wake up, you can’t be a smiling goose.
    “I’m for girl power. But it’s part of the game, it does happen.
    “You have to learn to be respected. If you let it go and show yourself to be ‘beautiful and stupid’, you’re done.”
    YACHT
    Rossi is believed to have property in London, Ibiza and his home town of Tavullia.
    But it’s his most recent purchase that is his most impressive.
    He has always been a connoisseur when it comes to yachts, so at the turn of the year it was no surprise to see him splash £4million on a brand new toy.
    The 89-foot long vessel is a Sanlorenzo X88 has a maximum speed of 23 knots and can make long journey thanks to a 9,300-litre fuel tank.
    Better still, it’s big enough to sleep up to eight people.
    Previously, Rossi has owned a Mochi Craft, which he sold after 15 years.
    He also once bought a Pershing 56 luxury yacht for £1.4million called Titilla.
    Loving a sequel, his latest purchase has been labelled Titilla II.
    Rossi splashed £4million on a yacht earlier this year
    The 89-foot long vessel is a Sanlorenzo X88 and has a maximum speed of 23 knots
    EXPECTANT FATHER
    Over the years, Rossi has dated a string of beautiful women, including former beauty pageant winner Linda Morselli for nine years.
    But fatherhood seemed far away for the eternal bachelor, who didn’t appear to want any offspring of his own.
    That is until most recently, when he revealed he was about to become a dad for the first time.
    In a hilarious social media post back in August, Rossi dressed up as a doctor while holding a stethoscope pressed up against the stomach of girlfriend Francesca.
    He captioned the snap: “After a careful visit we can tell you that Franci is pregnant! We are expecting for a girl.”
    However, don’t expect wedding bells to ring any time soon.
    Francesca told GPOne.com back in February: “For me it is not essential.
    “If it happens, all well and good, but we love each other all the same.
    “I always say that you don’t need to have a ring on your finger to have faith in your heart.”
    Back in August, Rossi – nicknamed The Doctor – revealed Francesca was expecting his baby
    Francesca and Rossi are expecting a baby girl
    FAMILY AFFAIR
    While Rossi may have retired from motorsport, there’s a family member following in his footsteps.
    Maternal half-brother Luca Marini, 24, was the runner-up in the 2020 Moto2 World Championship.
    This year, he joined the MotoGP class with the Esponsorama Avintia and raced alongside Rossi.
    And in October, he secured his first-ever MotoGP front row in qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

    At the time, Valentino revealed: “This is very important for him, for his future, for his career because next year we will do the team together and I think he will have a good bike and a good team behind him.
    “So, the second year he needs all the support to try to arrive at the good results. I think that he has the speed, he has the talent, he can do some good things.”
    However, he will have some way to go to escape the shadow of MotoGP’s greatest.
    Luca Marini is following in the footsteps of his half-brother Valentino Rossi
    MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi will retire at end of the season More

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    MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi retires to glam lifestyle with former grid-girl Wag, 14-years his junior, and £4m yacht

    VALENTINO ROSSI has hung up his helmet on an illustrious 25-year MotoGP career.The Italian motorcycle rider, 42, said goodbye in an emotional farewell at Sunday’s Valencia Grand Prix.
    Valentino Rossi said goodbye to MotoGP in an emotional farewell at the Valencia Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    In an illustrious 25-year MotoGP career Rossi won nine world championshipsCredit: Rex
    His retirement drew well wishes from tennis legend Roger Federer, Hollywood movie star Tom Cruise, as well as F1 heroes Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
    Rossi won nine world championships in the motorsport, amassing a wealth of around £150million.
    Now, he can enjoy a well-earned rest with Wag Francesca Sofia Novello, 14-years his junior.
    The Doctor can also take his luxury yacht, worth £4million, out for a spin whenever he likes.
    GLAM WAG
    Valentino met glam partner Francesca in 2018.
    She is a former lingerie model, who was the face of various fashion campaigns in Milan.
    But, the pair prefer to keep their romance private and rarely share anything about the relationship.
    Even on Francesca’s Instagram, which has almost half a million followers, there’s very few glimpses into their lifestyle.
    However, she was a regular in the paddock – playing the role of supportive Wag during the racing legend’s final seasons on the circuit.
    Gorgeous Italian model Francesca Sofia Novello is Rossi’s girlfriend
    Francesca is 14-years Rossi’s junior
    Francesca shows off her curves in lingerie
    A former MotoGP grid girl, Francesca has half a million followers on Instagram
    The gorgeous brunette once worked as a MotoGP grid girl, but revealed a horror ordeal when she was groped.
    Sofia told Vanity Fair: “In reality it is a job like many others, a stage in my career of which I am proud.
    “At 19 it’s not easy to work with people who look at your butt when you pass by, and touch your butt when you take a picture.
    “Motorsport is a male environment. You have to wake up, you can’t be a smiling goose.
    “I’m for girl power. But it’s part of the game, it does happen.
    “You have to learn to be respected. If you let it go and show yourself to be ‘beautiful and stupid’, you’re done.”
    YACHT
    Rossi is believed to have property in London, Ibiza and his home town of Tavullia.
    But it’s his most recent purchase that is his most impressive.
    He has always been a connoisseur when it comes to yachts, so at the turn of the year it was no surprise to see him splash £4million on a brand new toy.
    The 89-foot long vessel is a Sanlorenzo X88 has a maximum speed of 23 knots and can make long journey thanks to a 9,300-litre fuel tank.
    Better still, it’s big enough to sleep up to eight people.
    Previously, Rossi has owned a Mochi Craft, which he sold after 15 years.
    He also once bought a Pershing 56 luxury yacht for £1.4million called Titilla.
    Loving a sequel, his latest purchase has been labelled Titilla II.
    Rossi splashed £4million on a yacht earlier this year
    The 89-foot long vessel is a Sanlorenzo X88 and has a maximum speed of 23 knots
    EXPECTANT FATHER
    Over the years, Rossi has dated a string of beautiful women, including former beauty pageant winner Linda Morselli for nine years.
    But fatherhood seemed far away for the eternal bachelor, who didn’t appear to want any offspring of his own.
    That is until most recently, when he revealed he was about to become a dad for the first time.
    In a hilarious social media post back in August, Rossi dressed up as a doctor while holding a stethoscope pressed up against the stomach of girlfriend Francesca.
    He captioned the snap: “After a careful visit we can tell you that Franci is pregnant! We are expecting for a girl.”
    However, don’t expect wedding bells to ring any time soon.
    Francesca told GPOne.com back in February: “For me it is not essential.
    “If it happens, all well and good, but we love each other all the same.
    “I always say that you don’t need to have a ring on your finger to have faith in your heart.”
    Back in August, Rossi – nicknamed The Doctor – revealed Francesca was expecting his baby
    Francesca and Rossi are expecting a baby girl
    FAMILY AFFAIR
    While Rossi may have retired from motorsport, there’s a family member following in his footsteps.
    Maternal half-brother Luca Marini, 24, was the runner-up in the 2020 Moto2 World Championship.
    This year, he joined the MotoGP class with the Esponsorama Avintia and raced alongside Rossi.
    And in October, he secured his first-ever MotoGP front row in qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

    At the time, Valentino revealed: “This is very important for him, for his future, for his career because next year we will do the team together and I think he will have a good bike and a good team behind him.
    “So, the second year he needs all the support to try to arrive at the good results. I think that he has the speed, he has the talent, he can do some good things.”
    However, he will have some way to go to escape the shadow of MotoGP’s greatest.
    Luca Marini is following in the footsteps of his half-brother Valentino Rossi
    MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi will retire at end of the season More

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    Motorbike icon Valentino Rossi, 41, retires today after nine MotoGP world titles and 89 Grand Prix wins over 25 years

    SEVEN-TIME MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has pulled the curtain over his glittering 25-year career after finishing tenth at the Valencia Grand Prix.The 42-year-old made his 432nd Grand Prix start this weekend having amassed a record 115 wins and 235 podium finishes across all classes.
    Rossi finished tenth in his final MotoGP raceCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Rossi is the only rider to win World Championships in four classes: 125, 250, 500 and MotoGPCredit: REUTERS
    Rossi managed 23 successive premier class top-three podiums from the Portuguese GP in 2002 to the South Africa GP in 2004Credit: REUTERS
    The Italian is Yamaha’s most successful rider of all time with 56 race winsCredit: AP
    He has won 115 GP races across the three classesCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Rossi has managed to find himself on the podium an eye-watering 235 timesCredit: AFP
    Reflecting on his career, the Italian said: “I think that the most positive thing in my career is that a lot of people started to follow MotoGP to follow my career from the beginning, and the sport became bigger, more famous in Italy but also all around the world.
    “It’s good to understand that during my career I became something different, something like an icon and this is a great, great pleasure also if for a rider it’s more important what happens on track, the result, everything.”
    Rossi started his career in the 125cc category and won a world title in 1997, followed by the 250cc championship in 1999.
    He moved to the premier class a year later and won seven titles between 2001 and 2009.
    Rossi continued: “I always imagined this presser… this is a strange feeling. I want to keep it normal but that’s not possible. Great emotion right now.”
    The Petronas Yamaha rider said he was disappointed at being unable to add a 10th world title.
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    He added: “I fought a lot for the tenth championship… I was able to race at a good level.
    “My last title in 2009 was a lifetime ago. I would have been happy to win another championship but I cannot complain. I had a great career.”
    Rossi has had a difficult final season, collecting only 38 points and achieving no podium finishes.
    Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo sealed the title ahead of Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last month to become the first Frenchman to win a MotoGP world championship.
    Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton says he will be ‘sad’ to see Rossi retire.
    The Brit described the Italian as a ‘legend’ and hailed his deep ‘passion’ for the sport.
    Speaking to Autosport, Hamilton said: “It’s obviously sad to see Vale stopping but his I think his drive, his approach, just everything he’s everything he’s done has been incredible.
    “The passion that he’s had for so long has shown through. And [he’s] just such a legend – one of the greatest to ever do it, if not the greatest to ever have done it.
    Rossi’s appearance in Valencia will likely be the last time that a rider born in the 1970s will start a Grand PrixCredit: AP
    Rossi managed eight premier class wins on AssenCredit: AP
    The 42-year-old managed ten wins at both Catalunya and AssenCredit: AP
    “So, it’ll just be sad to not be watching the races and seeing him just ride in style as he usually does.
    “But I think it’s a beautiful time for him also – because he’s got a family now he’s growing or starting to build.
    “But I’m grateful I’ve had the privilege to share a really special day with him on track. I’ll always remember that.”
    Rossi won nine world titlesCredit: AFP
    Rossi raced at 38 circuits
    MotoGP’s popularity in Italy grew as he grew into one of the sport’s top starsCredit: EPA
    MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi will retire at end of the season More

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    Who is Dean Berta Vinales and how did he die?

    DEAN BERTA VINALES was a Superbike sensation who had been hoping to make it big in the motorsport world one day. He competed in the European Talent Cup two years ago and has since starred in the 300 class for Vinales Racing Team.
    Dean Berta Vinales was just 15 at the time of his deathCredit: Facebook
    Vinales was the nephew of nine-time Moto GP race winner Maverick Vinales.
    How did Dean Berta Vinales die?
    Vinales fatally crashed during a Supersport 300 race which was taking place in Jerez, Spain.
    Medical personnel quickly arrived on the scene to treat Vinales, before he was transported to a local medical centre.
    But the racing sensation could not be saved.
    “After a serious incident during WorldSSP300 Race 1, Dean Berta Viñales has sadly succumbed to injuries,” World Superbike said in a statement.
    “The rider suffered severe head and thoracic injuries.
    Dean Berta Vinales died after a fatal Supersport 300 crash in Jerez, SpainCredit: Facebook

    “Medical vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to on track, in the ambulance and at the circuit Medical Centre.
    “Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff, the Medical Centre has announced that Berta Viñales has sadly succumbed to his injuries.”
    The remainder of Saturday’s race action was cancelled as a result of Vinales’ death.
    Moto GP tweeted: “We’re devastated by the tragic loss of @DeanBerta21 following a crash in #WorldSSP300 Race 1 today.
    “Sending all our love and strength to Maverick Vinales and Dean’s entire family, his team and loved ones.”
    Vinales Racing Team posted on Instagram: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Berta Viñales
    “We’re devastated, and at this time all of our thoughts are with Dean’s family
    “You’ll be sorely missed and never forgotten, Dean.” More

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    Cal Crutchlow ‘dreaming’ of podium finish as he prepares for Silverstone return in British MotoGP a year after retiring

    CAL CRUTCHLOW says he never expected to be given an opportunity to race at Silverstone again.The 35-year-old has earned a dream recall for the Monster Energy Yamaha team in place of the injured Franco Morbidelli and will race in the British MotoGP this weekend.
    Cal Crutchlow is ready for the British MotoGP – despite retiring a year agoCredit: PA
    The 35-year-old has earned a dream recall for the Monster Energy Yamaha teamCredit: Getty
    The Coventry-born racer retired at the end of last season to take a role as the team’s test rider.
    He said: “I never thought I would be racing in the British MotoGP again, let alone riding for the Monster Energy Yamaha team.
    “It is a privilege to be on the bike and on the grid in front of the British fans.
    “Over the years, I have been the British guy at the front of MotoGP and there was always the expectation to have a great result at Silverstone, which I always tried to do.
    “This year it is a little bit different. There is no pressure and I can enjoy it a little bit more and see how we go.
    “But seeing a sell-out crowd will be amazing, so I am looking forward to getting back out there and nice to be racing at Silverstone again.”

    Crutchlow’s best finish at Silverstone was second in 2016 and says that while a podium is unrealistic, he’s not ruling it out in front of a full house.
    He added: “A podium? You are absolutely dreaming! I am just looking forward to it but with MotoGP you never know.
    “One week someone can win and then the other week, they’d nearly be last. That’s what’s good about MotoGP, the battling and being so competitive.
    “I have no idea about this weekend. I will look to do my job and enjoy it.
    “I am not up to speed with the other guys, they have been riding all year and I have had five months off the bike.
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    “But I rode in Austria and got a feeling for it and it would be nice to be able to go better this weekend.”
    Despite being drafted in at late notice, he says he has no regrets about calling time on his racing career last year.
    He said: “I stopped racing full-time at the right time. I still believe it was the right choice and I enjoy watching it from home and seeing how my friends are getting on.
    “It has been a big part of my life for so long so to be back in, is good fun but I enjoyed being a test rider, so it is a perfect combination.”
    Alex Marquez flies over motorbike in high speed crash at Valencia Moto GP qualifying More