Valentino Rossi Returns to Goodwood for the First Time in 10 Years! Blazing Through the Hill Climb on the 2020 YZR-M1, His First Ride Since Retirement

Valentino Rossi appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in July 2026. In collaboration with Monster Energy and Yamaha, he showcased a ride on the 2020 YZR-M1, his first time on the bike since retiring from MotoGP in 2021, thrilling many fans.

Sharing the Stage with F1 Champion Lando Norris! A Star-Studded Goodwood Event

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a motorsport celebration that brings together historic machines and legendary figures. At the 2026 event, Valentino Rossi, a nine-time world champion in the Grand Prix motorcycle road racing series, made his return to the event for the first time in over a decade.

On Friday, Rossi appeared on the balcony of Goodwood House alongside his close friend and current F1 World Champion, Lando Norris. After Norris drove a 1996 Liberty Walk S13 up the hill climb and parked it next to Rossi's 2020 YZR-M1, the two emerged on the balcony to a warm reception from the large crowd.

Rossi Moved by Riding His YZR-M1 for the First Time Since Retirement

On Saturday, Rossi was the main attraction for the hill climb. For the first time since retiring from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season, he mounted the 2020 YZR-M1 and led the demonstration run. His impressive ride up the traditional hill climb alongside Monster Energy athletes such as Steve 'Bagzy' McQueens, Petter Solberg, John McGuinness, and Michael Dunlop was a sight to behold.

Rossi expressed his joy, stating, "I am very happy and proud to be back at Goodwood after more than 10 years. Yamaha has been a huge part of my life, and reuniting is always emotional. Riding the 2020 YZR-M1 made this occasion even more meaningful."

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP: https://yamaha-motogp.com

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