Norris: Don’t worry about Rossi, I may not have started racing

Valentino Rossi, an outstanding Italian motorcycle racer and nine-time world champion, can be considered an example of longevity in the sport, having competed in MotoGP for more than twenty years, but before that spent several seasons in other classes.

Overall, his career in motorcycle racing on circuits lasted more than a quarter of a century, and now Rossi is already racing on four wheels in the GT World Challenge Europe series for the Belgian team WRT, and still under the same number 46.

There are many fans of his talent among modern Formula 1 drivers, and one of them is Lando Norris. The British McLaren driver talked about this on the official championship website…

I first noticed Valentino because of his color choice. I was probably about five at the time, and if you like something at that age, it’s only because it looks cool.

He had a blue and white Yamaha motorcycle, a racing suit and a bright yellow helmet, and generally looked great. I liked his interviews, the way he spoke with an Italian accent, the way he celebrated successes – in general I liked everything he did.

This happened when I was 5 years old, and at that time I already had an ATV, and then a dirt bike appeared. I only learned what karting was when I was seven years old. Of course, I loved watching motorcycle races on TV at the time.

Valentino had many impressive duels, and one of the best I remember was his battle with Casey Stoner at Laguna Seca, when Rossi passed the Australian on the side of the road at Corkscrew corner.

Another duel took place in Barcelona with Jorge Lorenzo, and Valentino overtook him at the last corner – this is generally one of the most beautiful moments!

When I started competing myself, the design of my helmet was related to Valentino. I commissioned the designer who did this to make something with the motto “I’m rooting for Rossi!”, and he developed a version in black and orange, but over the years that has changed somewhat.

Growing up I didn’t go to a MotoGP race, but when I became a Formula 1 driver I was lucky enough to go to Silverstone in 2021. And it was cool because I remember seeing Valentino’s performances on TV as a kid. It can be compared to how I watched the Formula 1 races with Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, and now we compete together in the championship, and I compete with them.

When I met Valentino it was just amazing. I first went to Silverstone to meet him, because for me it is a great honor. He was my idol, thanks to him I started racing myself – who knows, if I had not supported Rossi and started racing motorcycles, I might not have started motorsport at all, otherwise this interest would have appeared in me later . .

After that conversation we will stay in touch. My friend Thierry Vermeulen is currently racing in the same GT World Challenge Europe as Valentino. When I walked to the podium in Singapore, Valentino sent me a congratulatory message and we communicate regularly.

I would like to do something with him – of course when he and I have free time. It is quite difficult to find such an opportunity, but this is in the plans for the future.

I was also able to learn something from Valentino, for example to enjoy my work. He has always liked what he does, and the more he likes something, the more fun he gets.

It’s easy to say, “Just enjoy your work.” But there are certain things you can do to make the sport more fun, and Valentino Rossi has certainly been able to enjoy himself throughout his career.