Valentino Rossi Vs. Michael Schumacher
Two living legends in the world of motor sports are Valentino Rossi and Michael Schumacher. Rossi is an Italian-born motorcycle racer who has won eight Grand Prix World Championships. Schumacher is a seven-time world champion Formula 1 driver. These champions have continuously exhibited perseverance and dedication in their respective sports which has made them the best at what they do. This is a goal we can all strive for in our own endeavors.
Rossi and Schumacher both had tremendous support from their fathers. Rossi’s father was a motorcycle racer in his earlier days and started his son on a similar path by introducing him to go-karts. By all accounts, Valentino was a natural, and it wasn’t long before he was winning regional and national championships. Schumacher was equally encouraged by his father. Michael won numerous German and European kart championships during his youth. These were the beginnings of greatness of both Rossi and Schumacher.
Valentino Rossi’s acquisitions of world championships began with a win in the 125cc category of the world title in 1997 followed by a win in the 250 cc category in 1999. Rossi competed with an Aprilia bike during these races. Rossi stepped up to the 500cc category and took the 2001 World Championship for Honda. Inaugural year for the MotoGP bikes was 2002. Rossi captured MotoGP’s top title in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2008. Valentino signed with Yamaha in 2004. There were rumors circulating several years ago that the motorcycle-riding great would make a move to driving Formula 1 cars.
Rossi is under contract with Yamaha until 2010 so it’s unlikely that Rossi will be making that transition. Rossi is a man of surprises, however. The motorbike giant has made appearances with green and orange and even appeared with his head shaved at one time. Rossi is a fan favorite with his charismatic and flamboyant public image.
Michael Schumacher’s own journey in landing world titles started in 1994 when he won the Formula One World Championship for the first time. Continuing to drive for Benetton, Schumacher, a native of Germany, repeated his success in 1995. In 1996, Schumacher joined Scuderia Ferrari. Michael is credited with transforming the Ferrari team into a winning group. The race car driver took the World Championship in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Schumacher officially retired from competitive Formula 1 racing in 2006 though he remained onboard with Ferrari as an adviser.
According to “Eurobusiness” magazine, Schumacher was the first billionaire athlete in the world. The racer has used his wealth and notoriety to positively impact society in various ways. He has generously donated money to assist with world disaster relief efforts, funded schools and housing for poverty-stricken and homeless children, and given monetarily to a hospital that cares for children caught in the war in Sarajeveo.
Schumacher became the Bacardi Limited Global Social Responsibility Ambassador in 2008. This role involves spreading the message globally that drinking and driving can be a deadly combination.
Valentino Rossi and Michael Schumacher have risen to the top of their respective sports by pushing forward despite controversies and set-backs. Both drivers have had their share of both. This never give up attitude is something that can be emulated by anyone pursuing a goal themselves.
Rossi and Schumacher discovered their passions for speed and skill at an early age but it’s never too late to find your own passion. By dedicating their lives to the world of motor sports both legends have achieved unbelievable success. This is a true measure of happiness and fulfillment.
