Schwantz: “Rossi will continue to dominate the MotoGP even from the stands”

When Valentino was a kid who raced on mini bikes, he used the replica of Schwantz’s helmet. Over the years, the two met and became friends. Rhe Texan, interviewed by Sky in Austin, acknowledges the impact the Doctor has had on motorcycling.

“What Valentino gave to our sport was his relationship with the fan,” Kevin explained. “He left us with many young riders from his Academy. Even if he won’t be there next year, we’ll always feel his impact on racing.”

Schwantz met Rossi when he was just a kid.

“Aldo Drudi told me to go and see him race. It was fun and, at a certain point, I realized that he was much faster than everyone else,” he stated. “He used the replica of my helmet. Then, when he arrived in the World Championship, he became a really great friend.”

Many years have passed but, in a sense, the Doctor has never changed.

“ I had met him for the first time in Livigno in 1989. He did many things, he skied. I’ve always seen the same spirit in him, even now in his Academy. He always wanted to be the best. He's reached a point in his career where he can no longer pull out in front of everyone, but he’ll always continue to dominate this sport, even if he’ll be watching it from the stands,” Kevin concluded.