Misano Adriatico (Italy) (AFP)

The play debuted in August, in Austria, with the announcement by "Vale" of his retirement at the end of the season, at age 42.

It continued with a first jubilee in Misano during the Grand Prix of San Marino in September, before a second a month later at the same place, for the GP of Emilia-Romagna.

It will end in the final race of 2021 in Valencia (Spain) on November 14.

It is there, for the "der des der", that MotoGP will give thanks to its best ambassador for 26 years, but Rossi has already been entitled to the "thank you" from the press on Friday, which gave him the official poster of the race (obviously in his image) covered with words of thanks.

Star, certainly, but always smiling and accessible, the "Doctor" took the time to greet the journalists present and to pose for as many selfies.

After free practice, which was held in a surprisingly calm atmosphere, his fans headed for Tavullia, about twenty minutes from Misano, for an unmissable stop at "Rossiland".

"Almost historic"

In photos even at the hairdresser, the local child is omnipresent in this village perched on top of a hill.

"We saw him pass at full speed on his small motorbike to go to school. He is part of the family," explains the bookseller.

Next to the fan club, the shop and the pizzeria "Da Rossi", in front of which we patiently queue, a huge "Grazie Vale" ("Thank you Vale") is displayed on a yellow background (Rossi's color) .

This is where we celebrate this weekend.

Hoping that the idol points the tip of its nose on Sunday.

The Italian rider and multiple MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi (c.) Poses with members of the press who have just presented him with a tribute poster signed by them, on October 22, 2021, before the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna of MotoGP, at the Marco-Simoncelli World Circuit in Misano Adriatico, Italy.

Andreas SOLARO AFP

Florence, a Frenchwoman, was surprised to organize their first pilgrimage for her companion, Stan.

Seeing the "Doctor" in the flesh on the trail brought them some tears.

"It's almost historic. If there's one place to be this weekend, it's here," he said.

"I compare it to the death of Johnny Hallyday. It's unique, we can't do what he did again."

"It's his career in GP and all the side: derivative products, his academy (which trains Italian pilots, editor's note), his teams", continues Florence.

"Marc Marquez is also world champion. In Spain, you see his red everywhere, but there is not the city of Marquez, a Marquez business, a comparable momentum."

"Forever"

Anita, Dutch living in Germany, is a regular at places and GPs.

"I'm a little sad because it's his last race here but I think he's right. He's going to be a dad, life has to go on," she commented.

"And he's not going out of our lives either. A true fan loves him forever. Even though he's the last one in the race. He's got a great mentality, he's close to people. We love him, it's like a disease ... but a nice disease! "

"The Doctor" said Thursday that he hoped that he would be remembered "as a pilot with a long career and good results, but above all as someone who gave pleasure to people".

Undeniably, the contract is fulfilled.

Future dad who aspires to drive cars from now on (with the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his sights), seasoned businessman and team boss, Rossi has a bright future ahead of him.

Italian Yamaha-SRT rider Valentino Rossi on his motorbike during the fourth free practice session before the MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino, at the Marco-Simoncelli World Circuit in Misano Adriatico, Italy on September 18, 2021. ANDREAS SOLARO AFP / Archives

MotoGP, on the contrary, will have to find a way to compensate for its departure.

Because Anita is probably not the only one to wonder if she will continue to attend GP "without Valentino".

© 2021 AFP