Marco Melandri announces intention to retire after Qatar race

The End Of An Era: Marco Melandri is set to retire after an outstanding 30-year-long career and plans to do so right after the last race in Qatar.

GRT Yamaha Support WorldSBK’s Marco Melandri has made an announcement of his intention to retire immediately after the final round of the 2019 FIM Superbike World Championship in Qatar. Melandri’s career has spanned over 30 years and the 36-year-old Italian has made a very thorough decision to end it.

Marco Melandri made his grand appearance on the international scene at the age of 15. He went on to become the youngest ever Grand Prix winner when he triumphed in Assen. The record spanned over 10 years. He then went on to win once more that year and then ended season third in the World Championship. The following season Melandri won five races.

Marco Melandri made his name in various sectors of the motorsports scene. He dominated the 240cc World Championship in 2002 and then moved to the premier class. He finished second in the 2005 MotoGP World Championship, trailing behind Valentino Rossi. In 2011, Melandri then hopped on the WorldSBK scene and scored 75 podium finishes until today, in which 22 were race wins.

Marco Melandri (GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK)

“The decision to retire was a very difficult one for me to make. I’d been thinking about it for some time. Finally, before the Imola race, I finally decided to call it a day at the end of the 2019 season. I’m still competitive. Although, I think it’s better to stop at this point, while I still enjoy racing, rather than waiting until the enjoyment and the results are more difficult to achieve,” says Melandri as quoted from Yamaha Racing.

“Since making the decision I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and now that everyone knows this is my final year, I’m even more motivated to push for good results in the final few races. In part, it’s for me, as I’d like to go out on a high, but it’s also to repay the faith that both Yamaha and the GRT Yamaha team have shown in me.”

“It’s been a difficult season, but they have worked so hard to help me realise my potential. They never gave up on me. I hope that my experience has helped the team adapt to racing in WorldSBK just that little bit quicker. I’m looking forward to seeing out my final season with them and I intend to give it my all, treating every lap like a qualifying lap and pushing to improve myself and bring the team the results they deserve. Then it will be time to move on and do something different with my life. For me it’s been a fantastic journey; thank you to everyone I met along the way.”

Andrea Dosoli (Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager)

“I was surprised when Marco informed me of his decision to retire. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy step for him to take, but we respect his reasons for doing so. Marco’s decision will bring to an end an incredibly successful career that has seen him racing and winning at the very highest level for many years. I’m pleased that, for a part of this long and distinguished career.

“Marco was a committed member of the Yamaha Racing family, where his contribution to our success was significant. In 2011 he raced the Yamaha YZF-R1 to second place in the WorldSBK Championship and, while this season has so far been a difficult one, he has maintained the level of professionalism for which he is renowned. He worked tirelessly to achieve the results of which we know he is capable of.”

“Marco’s achievements in what has been a remarkable career are already impressive, but Yamaha and the GRT Yamaha team are committed to helping him bow out on a high note during the final races of the 2019 season. On behalf of Yamaha Motor Europe, but also personally, I’d like to thank Marco for his contribution to Yamaha and to motorsport. We wish him every success for the future.”