In 2009, I didn’t like that Yamaha signed such a young and competitive teammate [Jorge Lorenzo]. But now everything is different. We are more mature. Everyone knows his role and position. Things are clear.
VALENTINO ROSSIIn 2009, I didn’t like that Yamaha signed such a young and competitive teammate [Jorge Lorenzo]. But now everything is different. We are more mature. Everyone knows his role and position. Things are clear.
VALENTINO ROSSII am focused on racing. I enjoy it. It’s a great feeling to be back fighting for the title.
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 ROSSII feel 100% a Yamaha rider in my heart. I had a long career and raced with several factory bikes, but the highlight of my career is undoubtedly with Yamaha.
VALENTINO ROSSIWe kept on racing, doing something that Luis [Salom] loved. Fortunately or unfortunately, life goes on.
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 ROSSIThe speed is something dangerous but very exciting.
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 ROSSII race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same.
VALENTINO ROSSII am completely focused on being strong, riding fast, and enjoying myself. With the new generation of riders, only the chronometer counts. I need to be faster than them on track.
VALENTINO ROSSITo win the Championship in the first year will be hard. We need time to become competitive and win races.
VALENTINO ROSSII have so much respect for my opponents; many of them watched the races as little children and were supporting me!
VALENTINO ROSSII never race for records. The motivation to try to beat the record is not enough to continue. You have to enjoy it.
VALENTINO ROSSII 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 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 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.
VALENTINO ROSSI