Number 46 wherever always identified with Valentino Rossi. That number has been used as the scorer nicknamed The Doctor since first appearing in the Grand Prix motor racing event since 1997. What is the real meaning behind the number 46 that always used Rossi?
To know the history of the number 46 used by Rossi, we all have to go back to 1992. When it was Rossi underwent his first debut at the Misano circuit at the Italian Minibike Endurance Champion, November 1992.
Quoted from Romagna Gazzette, Rossi got a motorcycle Aprilia 125cc in a debut at the Misano circuit of two riders Marco and Maurizio Pagano. Incidentally all three down in three different classes, but using the same motor.
Aprilia 125 motorcycle used by Rossi, Marco, and Maurizio when it was numbered 46. Marco and Maurizio decided to use the number 46 because amazed with one of the Japanese Grand Prix racers who use the same number.
"I do not remember his name, but he (Japanese rider) is so great because it can perform movements that make the audience pounding," said Rossi.
Rossi continued to use the number 46 when appearing in the Italian Championships and European championships until 1995. When entering the Grand Prix in the 125cc class in 1996, Rossi still chose to maintain the number 46.
The reason is simple enough. as it turned out, 46 was the number that Rossi's father, Graziano, had during his most successful season in the 250cc Grand Prix in 1979. Using number 46, Graziano won four podiums including three wins with Morbidelli's team. Interestingly, Rossi was also born in 1979.
Every world champion rider in the Grand Prix is entitled to use the number 1, but Rossi never used that right. The Doctor always maintains the number 46. Even so, Rossi always respect the right to use the number 1. Every successful world champion, Rossi still use the number 1, but the number was not used on the motor. Rossi always put the number 1 on the back of his racing costume.
now number 46 is not just a racing number. Rossi built a kingdom with the foundation of number 46. Through the VR46 brand, Rossi is now building a merchandise and apparel company, Moto2 and Moto3 racing teams, and building a VR46 Academy racing school.
A number of MotoGP riders also become VR46 clients in apparel manufacturing, including Dani Pedrosa, Cal Crutchlow, and Jack Miller. VR46 also became the official apparel of Italian football club, Juventus.
Although the number 46 is identical with Rossi, but the Italian rider did not want the MotoGP retire the number. Rossi also let other riders use the number 46 after he retired later. Is there a brave racer and worthy of the number 46? let's look forward to .....