Valentino Rossi: The Doctor Series Episode 1/5

What you see on television, is what Valentino is like off the track, as well, says former teammate and MotoGP rider Colin Edwards: “He is a friend, the fastest on motorcycle, a genius.” “An extraterrestrial” according to Alberto “Albi” Tebaldi, one of the closest friend of Vale and President of the VR46 fan club. “Someone who always pushes the limit” comments the faithful Uccio, always at Rossi’s side in his 20 years of racing.

But the best definition comes from Lin Jarvis, Yamaha Motorsport Managing Director: "Think of Tiger Woods combined with Michael Jordan and Roger Federer and then put this combination on a motorcycle. This is Valentino Rossi. He has the desire for what he does and he is able to share his passion with other people. He's a perfectionist, he demands a lot from the team but he does that together with the team, he encourages people to reach his goals, as well. It's a rewarding experience. The secret of Valentino with the fans? The Peter Pan charismatic appeal!"

But to Valentino himself, he is “a perfectly normal person.”

On Thursday at Le Mans ahead of this weekend’s Monster Energy Grand Prix de France, “Valentino Rossi: The Doctor Series” Episode 1 was launched.

“The Series is interesting because you can see a lot behind the scenes,” said Rossi. “The MotoGP passionate and my fans know my challenges on track. This video shows my world: Tavullia, my hometown, but also Mugello, California, and the challenges at the Ranch. It’s the dream of every rider to have his own track where he can have fun and also test. Many riders visited us at the Ranch. Kevin Schwantz was one of the first. Throughout the years many MotoGP riders, or cool guys from other disciplines like Guy Martin came and had fun with us.”

“But there is a champion that I would like to challenge at the Ranch. It’s Kenny Roberts Sr.! I saw him at Austin and I invited him to come. It would be great if he could visit us.”

Twenty years of MotoGP and Grand Prix successes, nine world titles (7 in MotoGP) and 113 wins, a career lived at the limit, but always with a smile and his gags during the victory celebrations have contributed to consolidate the myth of Valentino Rossi, the Doctor, Number 46.

“I could spend hours and hours re-watching my races, I love racing. Full stop. I never get tired,” he says.

Valentino Rossi: The Doctor Series is told through the words of those closest to him as well as the man himself. The video, produced by Monster Energy with archive footage from Dorna Sports as well as exclusive access to Valentino’s VR46 headquarter, focuses on how the Italian has established himself as an icon both on and off the track.

Stay tuned for future episodes.