Valentino Rossi is perhaps bigger than MotoGP, his influence is something the sport has never seen before. In the year Although he will retire in 2021, he is still struggling without him.
With seven premiership titles, the Doctor has made a huge impact on MotoGP, especially in his home country of Italy. But in the year Interest from the country has waned since he announced his retirement from motorcycle Grand Prix racing at the end of 2021.
There are six full-time Italians on the grid in 2026, and two Italian brands and Rossi’s His own team in VR46, that influence is fading.
Davide Tardozzi says Valentino Rossi’s absence is still a ‘problem’ for MotoGP in Italy.
Michele Piro said Italy would ‘lose its appeal’ without RossiAnd David Tardozi It looks like going off the grid is happening now.
to speak Speed weekof Ducati The team manager admitted that his absence is still a problem for the future of the country and its Grand Prix talent: “In Italy we have lost market share in recent years. I can’t speak for other countries.
“It’s a problem to say we don’t have Valentino Rossi anymore. Valentino Rossi was a star, he was a hero to the grandparents. He made sure they watched MotoGP.
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“On the other hand, Peco Bagnaia has been very popular in Italy for a few years, and of course Ducati and Aprilia as well – they’re doing a good job promoting it.
But it is clear that pay TV does not help, but this world has to survive, and pay TV broadcasts pay good money, so the producers are inclined to that.
“I don’t know how things will develop with the new owners, how they will market the championship. I believe the era of pay TV cannot be turned back.”
Read more: Everything you need to know about Valentino Rossi from stats to net worth
MotoGP needs a few Italian and Spanish riders on the grid
One of the reasons why Italy is losing influence in MotoGP is that the sport is looking to add new countries to the grid. Italy and Spain have dominated the premier class in recent years, with 15 of the 2026 riders coming from the two countries.
The arrival of Torak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira will bring new markets to MotoGP in 2026 and Liberty Media owners want to continue moving in that direction.
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This is being taken on board, as Teams are starting to look beyond Spanish and Italian riders. And instead focus on the talent that new passports have for MotoGP.
Carmelo Izpeleta wants to ‘dominate’ the Italian and Spanish ridersBy limiting how many are represented on the grid. The likes of Marco Bezzecchi, Peco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio still offer some appeal, but Rossi’s absence has certainly hurt it.
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