Italian racer Valentino Rossi (aka "Rossifumi, "Valentinik" or "The Doctor") from the Pesaro e Urbino province, on the Adriatic coast, has 86 wins to his name, and 70 of the fastest lap times, riding the Fiat Yamaha factory team's YZR-M1.
No. 46 Valentino Rossi Fiat-Yamaha YZR-M1 Photos
After a disappointing conclusion to last year's 2007 USMotoGP at Laguna Seca, Rossi won a dramatic victory at the 2007 Red Bull US MotoGP, edging out last year's winner, Casey Stoner.
Rossi Signing Autographs at 2008 Red Bull US Grand Prix
Team Yamaha Rossi Pit Girls
Casey Stoner vs The Doctor, Lap 5 of the 08 Red Bull USMotoGP - Zoom
Valentino Rossi at Turn 9 'Rainey Curve' - Zoom
After flirting with the idea of signing with Ducati, Rossi made the switch from Honda's racing team, and his winning RC211V 990cc V5, to the Yamaha racing team's lesser YZR-M1 after signing a $12 million+ two-year contract in 2004.
Stoner vs Rossi on lap 1 of USMotoGP - Zoom
Starting out in the fifth position on the grid at the 2007 US MotoGP Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, Fiat Yamaha Team rider Valentino Rossi took fourth place. Fiat Yamaha's Colin Edwards finished in 11th place.
Rossi (No.46) ahead of fellow Fiat/Yamaha teammate Colin Edwards (No.5) 2007 MotoGP
Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca's Turn 8 on his 800cc Yamaha YZR-M1 - 2007
Given the performance of Casey Stoner on Ducati's new V-Four Desmosedici RR, and Yamaha's chassis handling and Michelin tire problems, Rossi may be having some second thoughts about his perceived abilities to overcome such mechanical trivialities.
Rossi on the 240 hp 990 cc V5 Repsol Honda RC211V in 2003 (Photo: Andy Northcott)
Valentino Rossi heading through the Corkscrew's turn 8A
The Doctor
2007 Qualifying & Race Results for Valentino Rossi
Saturday Qualifying Time: 1:22.683
Sunday Pole Position: 5
Sunday Average: 154.542 kph
Sunday Time: +30.664
Sunday Position: 4
Total MotoGP Circuit Points: 177 (as of 11th race - 07/22/2007)
For 2007 MotoGP Race Circuit info for all 18 tracks, go to: MotoGP Track Data
Back To: 2007 Laguna Seca US MotoGP
