Valentino Rossi. Valentino Rossi (Italian pronunciation: [valenˈtiːno ˈrossi]; born 16 February 1979 in Urbino, Marche[1]) is an Italian professional motorcycle racer and multiple MotoGP World Champion. He is one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, with nine Grand Prix World Championships to his name – seven of which are in the premier class.
Following his father, Graziano Rossi, Valentino started racing in Grand Prix in 1996 for Aprilia in the 125cc category and won his first World Championship the following year. From there, he moved up to the 250cc category with Aprilia and won the 250cc World Championship in 1999. Rossi is first in all time 500 cc/MotoGP race wins standings, with 80 victories, and second in all time overall wins standings with 106 race wins (behind Giacomo Agostini with 122). Best of 2011: Paddock Girls. Formula 1™ - The Official F1™ Website.