Source: Supplied.

Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi will start his 350th grand prix this weekend at Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina, becoming the first rider in history to reach the incredible milestone.

From the 125 to 250 to 500 to MotoGP world championships, Italy’s 38-year-old nine-time world champion has competed in almost 40 percent of all grands prix (888) since the championship began in 1949.

“That’s a lot of races and a lot of time. I’m proud of it, but the number is not as important, it’s the quality and the number of victories and podiums!” The Doctor commented during Thursday’s pre-event press conference.

Following a strong first showing in Qatar to start 2017, Rossi is looking for more in Argentina: “It wasn’t an easy start to the championship. We have worked so hard during the test, but during the weekend of the first race we have fixed a few things, especially in the front.

“The race went very well and I was very happy to be able to get on the podium. Now we go to Argentina. This is a track that I like very much and I’m happy to go there. I hope that there are good asphalt conditions because last year it was difficult for us. We will try to work better and try to go once again on the podium!”

Rossi’s first full season in the world championship came during 1996, now in his 22nd year of grand prix racing. He captured the 125cc World Championship in 1997, the 250cc World Championship in 1999, 500cc World Championship in 2001 and MotoGP crowns during 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009.