MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, known to fans as “Il Dottore,” recently opened up about the agony of losing a World Championship in a candid interview on the MigBabol Podcast. Rossi, one of the most successful riders in MotoGP history, shared his feelings about the crushing defeats that still haunt him, including the devastating 2006 season when he lost to Nicky Hayden.
Rossi, who had been on an unstoppable run with five consecutive titles before 2006, reflected on the regret that still lingers from that year.
“I regret 2006 a lot,” Rossi admitted. “I feel like I could have given more, but after winning five titles in a row, the aggressiveness when riding decreases. I didn’t give up, but I probably could have pushed harder.”
Nicky Hayden: A Worthy Rival
In 2006, the fierce competition came from Nicky Hayden, a rider Rossi still holds in high regard. “Great Hayden, wherever he is,” Rossi said, paying tribute to the late American rider. “He was always a great person and a great rider.”
Rossi vividly recalled the tense build-up to the final race in Valencia, where he believed he had the championship wrapped up. “I had a points advantage, but in Valencia, Hayden was flying,” Rossi said. “I thought if he finished third, I could finish fifth or sixth. But in practice, it was clear he was going strong.”
But then, things started to go wrong. “In the Warm Up, I was 11th, and I had no grip. I thought maybe it’s just the morning cold, but when the race started, I still had no grip,” he explained. “It was like everyone was passing me from all sides. That race marked a turning point in my career. Up until then, I felt invincible, but after that, things got tougher.”
“I Spent Ten Days Without Leaving Home”
Rossi’s loss in 2006 had a profound impact on him. “I spent ten days at home without leaving, sleeping all day and tossing and turning in bed. I was very sad,” he revealed, admitting that the defeat shattered his confidence.
Though the 2006 loss was painful, Rossi went on to compare it to what he considers an even more devastating blow—his 2015 season. “2006 was tough, but 2015 was the worst of my sporting career,” Rossi said. “In 2006, I made a mistake and Hayden won, which is part of the sport. But 2015 felt different.”
In 2015, Rossi narrowly missed out on the title again in controversial circumstances, which he still believes was the hardest pill to swallow. “It wasn’t just about losing; it felt like something was taken from me,” he concluded.
Even after the heartbreaks, Rossi’s spirit remains unbroken. Despite the disappointments, he has continued to inspire fans with his resilience and passion for MotoGP, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest riders in the sport’s history.