What If I Had Never Tried it

As a child, Valentino Rossi dreamt of winning the world championship. He has achieved that dream—and far more: Rossi has won eight world championship titles—including six in the top class, MotoGP. Along the way, he has broken dozens of records, brought his sport unprecedented popularity, and earned himself a fanatical worldwide following.

  Told in his own inimitable way, this is the story of The Doctor, arguably the greatest motorcycle road racer of all time. He grew up in the Italian town of Tavullia, a mischievous boy with a love for two-wheeled vehicles. By age 23, he was a four-time world champion, with titles in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, and MotoGP classes. Along the way, he earned millions of fans—and a few enemies—with his brilliant, aggressive, and adaptable riding style.

  It’s all here, in Rossi’s own words: the antics of his youth, the titles, the rivalries with Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and others, as well as his acrimonious split with the all-powerful Honda factory team in 2003. The genius of MotoGP also shares his eclectic private life—his friends, his superstitions, his relationships, and his unusual habits. What If I Had Never Tried It reveals the human being behind the icon.