The two met on the very MotoGP grid back in 2007 at Vales' home circuit at Misano. Linda was then Rossi's umbrella girl and quite a sensation after winning the Miss Elegance beauty contest.
Rossi and Linda have been together for five years, and they openly spoke about their plans as a future family. However, when talking about marriage and kids, both Valentino and Linda said they were not in a hurry.
The reasons that led to their separation remain unknown, but the Italian media says that the two had some disagreements in late January, right before the first IRTA test at Sepang, in Malaysia.
No new photos of the two together appeared on social media websites recently, apparently confirming the separation. Sources that are close to Valentino Rossi say that he is upset, while his ex-fiancee is also refraining from showing her sadness.
How will the break-up influence Rossi's season?
About one year ago, we reported about Rossi's long-term plans. Talking to Gazzetta Dello Sport back then, the Doctor used to say that his relationship with Linda was working great, and he was contemplating having a baby in the future, preferably a son.
Learning about this separation now makes us look back at everything Rossi did or said from January onwards and the big question is if and how this entire story will affect his career. To us, Rossi seemed focused on perfecting the bike for the new championship, and determined to make as few mistakes as possible.
It appears that VR46 might use his disappointment to his advantage, transforming it into a new resource to help him fight for the tenth world title in his career. You all know what they say, that people who have lost everything can be the fiercest enemies... Perhaps it's not the case for Rossi, but it looks like he's not to be taken lightly this year.