Angel Nieto paid tribute to Valentino Rossi after the Italian equaled his Grand Prix win tally of 90 victories.
Valentino Rossi´s equaling of Angel Nieto 90 Grand Prix victory milestone may have seen the Spaniard relinquishing his legacy as the second most successful rider ever, but the MotoGP Legend was not to be excluded from the celebrations in Le Mans.
Nieto was invited by his successor to join him on a victory lap of the historic French circuit, and gave the Italian racewinner a well-deserved rest by taking the bars of the Yamaha M1 himself. It was Nieto´s first time riding an 800cc machine, with his passenger displaying a flag that commemorated the achievements of both riders.
After pulling into parc ferme, Nieto spoke about the unique celebration and Rossi´s achievement.
`When I was on the bike with Valentino, he told me `this is history´. He is right, it is a fantastic story for us both; we´ve won 180 Grands Prix between us,´ said the 61 year-old, who last raced in 1986.
Rossi´s willingness to share the limelight with the elder statesman was well received by Nieto, who was unfaltering in his praise for the Fiat Yamaha rider.
`Valentino paid homage to my sporting career, and I am delighted to be part of his celebration, and to continue watching these amazing races. Congratulations to Valentino on the 90 wins; he deserves it as he is a star. He´ll be up there this season, of this there is no doubt.´
