David Coulthard compares F1 star Kimi Antonelli to ‘generational’ MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi
Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images David Coulthard likened Kimi Antonelli to one of the greatest MotoGP riders of all time, Valentino Rossi, amid his recent rise. Kimi Antonelli has become one of the most popular figures in motorsport due to his recent string of strong performances with Mercedes. For the first time in years, an Italian figure is dominant in motorsport again, and this has led to him being compared to another Italian motorsport legend.
Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images David Coulthard says Kimi Antonelli and Valentino Rossi are ‘Peter Pan’ figures in Motorsport Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, former F1 driver David Coulthard compares Kimi Antonelli to legendary MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi. Rossi and Antonelli, both Italian natives, were considered incredible talents who brought a great, childlike sense of wonder to the sport and their overall approach. “It seems to me he’s more like a Valentino Rossi.
For those who don’t watch MotoGP, Valentino Rossi was a generational rider, but almost like a boy-man, up until today… “He still feels kind of like Peter Pan. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kimi Antonelli is sort of the Peter Pan of his generation…” Kimi Antonelli links up with Valentino Rossi over Easter weekend Antonelli’s emergence as a top driver in Formula One has made him quite a popular figure in Italy. Italians are notoriously massive Motorsport fans, and so, to see one of their own thriving in the sport has been a huge joy for them.
And this attention has extended to fellow motorsport legends, as Antonelli was invited to spend some time at Valentino Rossi’s ranch in Italy this past weekend. Antonelli and Rossi were joined by Marco Bezzecchi, the current MotoGP championship leader, at the ranch, as three prominent Italian motorsport figures shared a moment together on social media . Italian motorsport fans will be hoping that Antonelli can reach the same heights in Formula One that Rossi was able to in MotoGP, even if he has to do it with Mercedes and not Ferrari.
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