Valentino Rossi Makes Guest Appearance at 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Marking his first return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in over ten years, motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi made a triumphant appearance at the 2026 event. Partnering once again with Yamaha and Monster Energy, the former Team ENEOS rider took his iconic 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1 up Goodwood Hill. This emotional showcase marked the first time Rossi had ridden the M1 since retiring from MotoGP at the close of the 2021 season.

The highly anticipated run was made possible through a collaboration with Monster Energy, allowing Yamaha to reunite Rossi with his cherished Grand Prix machine. As he navigated the scenic Sussex countryside, the bike’s unmistakable livery evoked deep nostalgia, transporting thousands of spectators back to a defining era of MotoGP racing.

Rossi commanded center stage during the Hill Climb, spearheading a memorable exhibition run alongside other Monster Energy athletes. Leading the charge on his beloved M1, the sight and sound of the machine in action stood as a powerful tribute to Yamaha’s Grand Prix history and Rossi’s storied career.