context: Following the example of his father, Graziano Rossi, a rather famous motorcycle racer, Valentino began to participate in highway-ring motor racing. His first professional start was in 1996 in the 125cc class on an Aprilia motorcycle. Already in the next season 1997 of the year, Rossi became the world champion in the class 125cc. In 1998, Valentino moved to the 250cc class, and in 1999 became the world champion in the 250cc class. In 2000, Rossi moved to the “royal” class 500cc and in the first season he became vice champion. Starting next season, Valentino won 5 consecutive world titles in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 2001, he did this on a Honda motorcycle for the Nastro Azzuro Honda team. In 2002 and 2003, he won with the Repsol Honda team. In 2004, he joined the Gauloises Yamaha Team with which he also won the title in 2005. From 2007 to 2010, Valentino Rossi spoke on the Yamaha motorcycle for the Fiat Yamaha Team. In 2008, he won the 6th world title for himself in the premier class, and the 8th in all classes. In 2009, he won the 7th championship title in the “royal” class and the 9th in all classes. In 2011-2012, he played for the Ducati team. In 2013, Rossi returned to the Yamaha factory team. [1]
question: When did Valentino Rossi win the first title?
answers.text: 1997