The Magnificent 7: Rossi celebrations

After seeing Valentino Rossi claim the 200th podium of his Grand Prix career last weekend in Jerez it seems the perfect opportunity to look back at some of the Italian superstar’s most memorable celebrations. 

The greatest pays homage to the greatest. When Rossi won in Argentina last month his decision to don an Argentine jersey with Maradonna on the back led to an incredible reaction. It was another example of how much more competitive Rossi is now than at any other point since 2009; he’s now thinking of victory celebrations once again!

At Jerez in 1999 it all got too much for Valentino on the slow down lap after seeing off Tohru Ukawa and Loris Capirossi in the 250cc race. At turn four Rossi needed to “avail of the facilties” and used a portaloo! Ten years later he renacted the celebrations after the MotoGP race.

Another Spanish stunner for Rossi. At the 1998 Catalan Grand Prix Rossi celebrated by giving a pillion ride to a chicken. Having fooled everyone in the paddock into believing that he was sponsored by “Osvaldo.” According to Rossi the sponsor was from an Italian farming magnate and with the Italian press having scoured Italy to find any mention of Osvaldo Rossi admitted that it was all a rouse. The company may not have been legit but the celebration was incredible!

On the chain gang….at Brno in 2003 Rossi once again showed his  cutting wit by declaring he was a condemed man when he joined the chain gang. Having grown increasingly frustrated by the media’s expecatancy of a Rossi win the pressure was starting to build and having failed to win in four races Rossi felt the need to show that he left the shakles behind him and that he was “condemned to win.”

At Philip Island in 2003 Rossi showed his poingent side with a tribute to Barry Sheene after the double world champion’s death in Australia earlier that year. Like Rossi Sheene transcended his sport.

Rossi is a noted historian of MotoGP and it’s rare that when he passes a major milestone that he doesn’t pay homage in some way to the other legends of the sport. At the Sachsenring in 2005 Rossi paid tribute to Mike the bike Hailwood after joining the Englishman on 76 career wins.

At Le Mans in 2008 it was Angel Nieto’s time for praise from Rossi. Having equaled the 12+1 times world champion with 90 victories Rossi met Nieto on track and rode pillion to the Spanish legend.