I’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’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 have so much respect for my opponents; many of them watched the races as little children and were supporting me!
VALENTINO ROSSIThe most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it’s true.
VALENTINO ROSSIIn 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 ROSSII 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 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 ROSSIThe 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.
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 ROSSIBut I could also start F1 or rallying. I love rallying much more.
VALENTINO ROSSIWe kept on racing, doing something that Luis [Salom] loved. Fortunately or unfortunately, life goes on.
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 ROSSIOur sport is dangerous. We risk the life out there, so we need to stay calm and focused and leave all the rest out.
VALENTINO ROSSIAlso, 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 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 ROSSII don’t like being famous – it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse.
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 ROSSI