Rossi Dominates 2017 Monza Rally for Record 6th Win

Valentino Rossi Claims Historic Sixth Monza Rally Show Victory Despite 15 Seconds of Penalties

The 2017 Monza Rally Show witnessed motorsport history as MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi secured his sixth victory at the iconic Italian event, cementing his status as the competition's most successful driver. Despite facing a total of 15 seconds in time penalties across the weekend, "The Doctor" proved once again why he remains one of the most versatile and talented racers of his generation.

The triumph at Monza came just weeks after Rossi concluded another impressive MotoGP season, where he finished fourth in the championship standings. His ability to transition seamlessly from two wheels to four continues to captivate motorsport fans worldwide, demonstrating a level of skill and adaptability that few competitors can match.

A Weekend of Challenges and Determination

Rossi's path to victory was anything but straightforward. The nine-time MotoGP World Champion faced adversity from the very first day of competition, receiving a five-second penalty on Friday after colliding with a traffic cone during one of the special stages.

However, the more significant challenge came on Sunday, the final day of the event. Technical scrutineers discovered that Rossi's Ford Fiesta RS WRC was seven kilograms underweight, resulting in a substantial ten-second time penalty. This brought his total penalty time to 15 seconds—a deficit that would have proven insurmountable for most competitors.

The fact that Rossi could overcome 15 seconds of penalties and still claim victory speaks volumes about his exceptional pace and consistency throughout the weekend.

The Dramatic Final Day Showdown

Heading into the final two stages, Rossi held a seven-second advantage over Marco Bonanomi. When the underweight penalty was applied, Bonanomi suddenly found himself in the lead without having to turn a wheel in anger. The pressure of leading the Monza Rally Show, however, proved too much for the Italian driver.

Bonanomi committed two critical errors on the final special stage, which dropped him from the lead all the way back to third position. This dramatic turn of events allowed Rossi to reclaim the top spot, with the professional WRC pairing of Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville—who uniquely shared driving duties in a single Hyundai NG i20 WRC—moving up to second place.

Breaking Records in the Royal Park

With this sixth victory, Valentino Rossi now stands alone as the most successful driver in Monza Rally Show history. Previously, he had shared the record of five wins with Italian racing legend Rinaldo Capello, who claimed his victories in 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009.

Rossi's winning years at Monza tell a story of remarkable consistency:

• 2006 – First Monza Rally Show victory
• 2007 – Back-to-back triumph
• 2012 – Return to the top step after five years
• 2015 – Fourth career win
• 2016 – Equals Capello's record
• 2017 – Becomes the outright record holder

Star-Studded Competition at the 2017 Edition

The 2017 Monza Rally Show attracted an impressive field of competitors from various motorsport disciplines. The unique nature of the event, which takes place on a specially designed course within the legendary Monza circuit, draws participants ranging from rally professionals to motorcycle champions and racing enthusiasts.

Notable Competitors

Among the standout entries was motocross legend Tony Cairoli, who brought his off-road expertise to the tarmac stages. Cairoli, a nine-time Motocross World Champion, finished in a commendable fourth position, demonstrating that elite motorcycle racers possess transferable skills that translate well to four-wheeled competition.

The presence of World Rally Championship stars Mikkelsen and Neuville added an extra dimension to the event. Their decision to share a car—taking turns behind the wheel—created an intriguing dynamic and ultimately resulted in a well-earned second-place finish.

Final Classification: Monza Rally Show 2017

The final standings reflected the drama and excitement of the weekend:

1. Valentino Rossi / Carlo Cassina (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) – 1:24:55.9
2. Andreas Mikkelsen / Thierry Neuville (Hyundai NG i20 WRC) – +5.7 seconds
3. Marco Bonanomi / Pirollo (Citroën DS3 WRC) – +8.4 seconds
4. Tony Cairoli / Fappani (Hyundai NG i20 WRC) – +21.8 seconds
5. Longhi / Santini (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) – +2:15.7

Rossi's Remarkable Versatility

Valentino Rossi's success at the Monza Rally Show underscores his extraordinary talent as a complete motorsport athlete. While his primary focus remains MotoGP, where he continues to compete at the highest level well into his late thirties, his rally exploits demonstrate a passion for racing that extends beyond any single discipline.

The Italian superstar has often spoken about his love for rally driving, a passion he developed in his youth before committing fully to motorcycle racing. The Monza Rally Show provides him with an annual opportunity to indulge this passion while competing against high-caliber opposition.

The Appeal of the Monza Rally Show

What makes the Monza Rally Show special is its unique format and setting. Held within the confines of the historic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, the event combines elements of traditional rally racing with the atmosphere of a major motorsport festival. The December timing provides a thrilling conclusion to the European motorsport calendar.

For fans, the event offers an accessible opportunity to see legendary drivers competing in an intimate setting. The format, which includes both tarmac stages and specially constructed obstacles, tests drivers' versatility and car control in ways that differ from conventional rally events.

Looking Ahead

With his sixth Monza Rally Show victory secured, questions naturally arise about whether Rossi can extend his record further in future editions. His continued competitiveness in MotoGP suggests that age has not diminished his abilities, and his enthusiasm for the event remains undiminished.

For motorsport enthusiasts, the 2017 Monza Rally Show will be remembered as another chapter in the remarkable career of Valentino Rossi—a driver whose talent, determination, and ability to overcome adversity continue to inspire fans around the world.

Whether on two wheels or four, The Doctor remains one of the most compelling figures in motorsport, and his record-breaking performance at Monza serves as yet another reminder of why he has earned legendary status in the racing world.