“Nicky is one of the best friends I’ve ever had in the paddock. We were teammates at Honda during his rookie year in 2003, when he was a young beginner, for his first European experience.
“This season ended with the World Champion title for me and with his first podium at Phillip Island. After a few years we fought against each other for the title in 2006 until the last race and in the end, unfortunately for me, he beat me and became MotoGP World Champion.
“After the race we shook hands and kissed. Then we were teammates again during the difficult years of Ducati, when several times we fought to the last blood, perhaps to win the last place among the top five.
“Nicky often came to Ranch, where he always put on a show, and many would come to see him and try to capture a secret, because he is one of the fastest flat track riders in the world and before Going on asphalt, he won the most important American competitions including the Peoria TT.
“The best memory I have about him is after the unlucky race in Valencia 2015, during the victory lap. For him, it was goodbye to MotoGP, and I had just lost the World Championship. His supportive look from inside his helmet is one of the few positive memories I have of that day.
“Nicky, we are all with you. »
2011, photo Ducati
