Ring of Fire: The Inside Story of Valentino Rossi and MotoGP - Tapa dura

Ring of Fire is an insider's account of the acclaim, heroism and pressures of being a MotoGP racer. This is a world where manufacturers invest millions, and where a rider will emerge from a coma with shattered bones to get back on his bike to save his job and race again for the checkered flag.

This covers the whole of the modern MotoGP era, at the center of which is the phenomenal Valentino Rossi. Ring of Fire charts his rise, fall and rebirth, detailing the dark side of his infamous rivalries with Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau as well as his battles with the tax man and the media. This warts-and-all tale offers an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at what makes these riders tick, from double World Superbike champion James Toseland to warring Spanish heroes Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa.

Rick Broadbent introduces us, not just to the stars, but also to the officials, parents, doctors, team owners and fans who make up this white-knuckle sport.

By turns funny, sad, shocking and uplifting, Ring of Fire brings us face to face with all those who are bonded by a shared love of risking it all at 200 mph.

This is the fast lane and they all dance inside a ring of fire. . . .

In Ring of Fire, the first book to cover the whole of the MotoGP era, Rick Broadbent provides an insider’s behind-the-scenes account of the acclaim, heroism, pressures, and danger of racing on two wheels at 200 miles per hour. At its center is Valentino Rossi, the brilliant, ruthless, and eccentric Italian megastar who has ridden his otherworldly talent and skill to nine World Championships—and counting—including seven in MotoGP’s premier class. Intertwined with Rossi’s tale is the story of the sport’s many stars, past and present, a collection of fascinating personalities forged by speed, danger, and competition into modern-day gladiators who put their lives on the line every Grand Prix weekend. Rossi’s long list of rivals—Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, Casey Stoner, Nicky Hayden, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, and others—are all profiled with Broadbent’s insightful observations and keen eye for the telling detail. Ring of Fire is an intense and engrossing journey into the world of MotoGP.