Valentino Rossi is an Italian wizard.

The 33-year-old MotoGP racer has racked up a lengthy list of wins and world titles. He’s got serious skills, and his resume is almost explanation enough as to why the man is beloved in the sport of motorcycle racing. Almost enough. There will occasionally be doubters, but we have a (now dated) video showing why Rossi is one of the best to ever strap on a helmet.

In 2009, Rossi and then-teammate at Yamaha Jorge Lorenzo were battling for first place in the final laps at Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya. This is Lorenzo’s home turf, and he was pushing hard to take the win. His main obstacle to that win sitting right on his ass. The two riders battled back and forth, but Lorenzo wound up in front on the final lap. It looked as if he would take the victory but, well… click past the break for one of the best finishes in motorsports history.

[Source: Vimeo via The Car Lounge]