“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.”

Giving yourself threads doesn’t mean you don’t believe in yourself in my opinion.

We kept on racing, doing something that Luis [Salom] loved. Fortunately or unfortunately, life goes on.

The tragic incident of Luis Salom reminds us that our sport, our passion, is dangerous. We know it but, in a way, we don’t think about it.

I like physical exercise. I actually like sports in general. I really like snowboarding and playing soccer, too.

Once the races begin it’s more difficult and there is never that much time for testing.

I’m Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon.

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.

The work that we do during the winter is very important; we have a new bike and it’s important to develop it during this time.

Fortunately during my career I have won more or less everything, so I need to enjoy it to have the right motivation.

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.

Barcelona is a special track. I have always loved the layout of the circuit, but also the atmosphere and the fans are special. It has always been good fun.

I am still here because I like to prove myself. I still like to ride the bike on track and enjoy the races. I still have good reasons to be in racing after so many years.

I am focused on racing. I enjoy it. It’s a great feeling to be back fighting for the title.

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.

To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.

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.

Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.

It’s a strange, eerie sensation to fly a lunar landing trajectory not difficult, but somewhat complex and unforgiving.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.

Great scientists are persevering and never deterred by difficulties

The most difficult matter is not so much to change the world as yourself.

It’s always difficult for anyone trying to compete against their past achievements.

The job is interesting, and the task is difficult, but the man is just a decent man doing a very ordinary job.

In this difficult moment for the whole world, let’s be thankful for the things that matter – our health, our family, our loved ones.