To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.
VALENTINO ROSSITo be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.
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 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’m really happy, and beating Marc [Marquez] at the very last chicane gives me an extra boost.
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 have so much respect for my opponents; many of them watched the races as little children and were supporting me!
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 ROSSIBut I could also start F1 or rallying. I love rallying much more.
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 ROSSIYou look at Moto3, the races are very exciting. Moto2 is fantastic, and then MotoGP is boring.
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 don’t like being famous – it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse.
VALENTINO ROSSIIt’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 ROSSIOnce the races begin it’s more difficult and there is never that much time for testing.
VALENTINO ROSSII have won on Honda and Yamaha so maybe it is interesting to win with a third team, Ducati, who are Italian.
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 ROSSI