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Introducing "The Doctor" of MotoGP -- Valentino Rossi briefly leads Marc Marquez at the French MotoGP on 18 May 2014. Movistar Yamaha
Rossi is a hero in his native Italy and particularly in the Marche region where he was born and still lives. In recognition of his achievements he received an honorary degree in 2005 from the famous university at Urbino. Tiziano Fabi/AFP/Getty
Rossi's last MotoGP title came back in 2009 with Yamaha -- his seventh at the highest level of motorcycling. Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images
Rossi is on the receiving end of the champagne as compatriot Max Biaggi toasts him after wrapping up a third straight world title in Malaysia in 2003. Jimin Lai/AFP/Getty
Rossi performs a wheelie after taking pole position on his Honda at the MotoGP in South Africa in 2002. Pierre Tostee/Getty Images
Rossi has also turned his hand to four wheels and drove for Peugeot in the 2002 Rally of Wales GB. Clive Mason/Getty
Ever the showman. Rossi produces a sea of burning tire smoke as he celebrates yet another MotoGP victory. Andre Durand/AFP/Getty
Rossi jokes with a grid girl before the U.S. MotoGP in Indianapolis in 2009. Mark Ralston AFP/Getty
Rossi's fanatical fans celebrate his 100th grand prix win at the Dutch MotoGP at Assen in the Netherlands in 2009. Vincent Janninka/AFP/Getty Images
Colin Edwards takes press questions in Austin, Texas flanked by former team mate Valentino Rossi. Mirco Lazzari
Marc Marquez celebrates his fifth consecutive MotoGP win at Le Mans with his team. Repsol Honda