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.
VALENTINO ROSSIThe 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.
VALENTINO ROSSII am able to ride the bike and think clearly about strategy and tyres. I also have positive thinking. I am very constructively critical.
VALENTINO ROSSIMy 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 ROSSIIn 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 ROSSII’m done with F1 unfortunately. I’m too old, the train has passed.
VALENTINO ROSSIYou 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 ROSSII am focused on racing. I enjoy it. It’s a great feeling to be back fighting for the title.
VALENTINO ROSSIIt is dangerous and unbelievably fast and entirely different from the kind of track I am used to racing on.
VALENTINO ROSSII 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 ROSSII 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.
VALENTINO ROSSII’m very happy because I won a lot. I’ve won races and lived in a world that just gave me joy, so I remember it very positively.
VALENTINO ROSSIGiving yourself threads doesn’t mean you don’t believe in yourself in my opinion.
VALENTINO ROSSII’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 ROSSIFortunately during my career I have won more or less everything, so I need to enjoy it to have the right motivation.
VALENTINO ROSSIHow do Ferrari know what I’m doing next year when I don’t know what I’m doing next week?
VALENTINO ROSSII don’t like being famous – it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse.
VALENTINO ROSSI