“For me, the Academy represents the ultimate sporting family. Joining at the end of 2013, when the project was just beginning, fills me with pride. I have witnessed every aspect and all the hard work put into making it successful today.

Being able to grow and learn from the greatest rider of all time is something that goes beyond imagination. The respect and admiration for seeing Valentino Rossi guide and support us young riders in becoming who we are today cannot be adequately expressed.

We have become a group of friends and rivals who constantly motivate each other and work tirelessly every day to improve our skills and push the limits a little further. Given the values instilled in us by Vale, I hope that, together with all the other riders and the team, we can continue to support and teach the upcoming riders.

We cherish everything that defines us, but if I may say so, we are pretty awesome."