I’m really happy, and beating Marc [Marquez] at the very last chicane gives me an extra boost.
VALENTINO ROSSIWe have the 2004 M1 here for reference, which is useful. It worked well here last year; we won the race and always did fast lap times so it will be interesting to compare it to the new bike and it will help us to understand which parts have improved.
More Valentino Rossi Quotes
-
-
It’s a big, big advantage because understanding what changes we might make takes time and it takes time to work out settings and to understand everything about the new machine.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
In 2002 the Yamaha was at more or less the same level as the Honda, better in some ways, worse in others. But in the winter of last year between 2002 and 2003, Honda made a big step forward and it seemed as if Yamaha couldn’t quite match that improvement.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I’m Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
It is dangerous and unbelievably fast and entirely different from the kind of track I am used to racing on.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I would have probably stolen cars – it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I have designs I like applied to my helmet, motorcycle, riding suits, gloves,and boots. I have a designer friend of mine put the designs on them for me. I think a livery on the helmet is significant in expressing a rider’s personality.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
We have the 2004 M1 here for reference, which is useful. It worked well here last year; we won the race and always did fast lap times so it will be interesting to compare it to the new bike and it will help us to understand which parts have improved.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
The great fights with your strongest rivals are always the biggest motivation. When you win easily it’s not the same taste.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
If I test the car for a year I can be quite competitive the next season.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I was lucky. My father raced bikes. He gave me the passion very early. I had my first bike when I was three or four years old.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
You try to do a technical feature: in front of me I had a strong rider who brakes hard and it’s difficult to pass.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
In my opinion we are at the limit now, and 17 races is really too much. With all the testing that we do now, it means we’re always on the bike and it’s quite difficult.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
But I could also start F1 or rallying. I love rallying much more.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
The speed is something dangerous but very exciting.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
Also, when I started racing he knew a lot of people and it was more easy for me to find the first bike, so I have a good chance for sure.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
My approach to the races hasn’t changed in my 20-year career. If I have the chance to attack and to pass, I do it, trying to get the best possible result.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I’m lucky because I don’t feel too much pressure – it’s only in the last hour before the race, and even then it’s good, positive pressure.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I try to have a different relationship with the bike. I don’t give it a name, but I always speak with it. I don’t know if the other riders do the same. This is not only a piece of metal – there is a soul. The bike talks back too. But not with a voice, with the components.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I don’t like being famous – it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I have so much respect for my opponents; many of them watched the races as little children and were supporting me!
VALENTINO ROSSI -
It is dangerous and unbelievably fast and entirely different from the kind of track I am used to racing on.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
Maybe if Graziano make another work or another sport I wouldn’t have had this passion to be a rider.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
Our sport is dangerous. We risk the life out there, so we need to stay calm and focused and leave all the rest out.
VALENTINO ROSSI -
I never race for records. The motivation to try to beat the record is not enough to continue. You have to enjoy it.
VALENTINO ROSSI