MotoGP is a human adventure and a mental sport in which to last is a feat. Because the pressure is great so much so that to face it on a daily basis, you have to be strong and well structured. A discipline and motivation that every gesture and word helps to maintain. An approach which necessarily has an impact on the pilot's environment. If all these elements are in place, time no longer has a hold on the group. And this is exactly what Valentino Rossi has managed to achieve, who can still continue to race at the highest level at the age of 41. His mechanic of decades, Alex Briggs, explains…
A great champion who lasts over time cannot only be explained by his riding technique, his physical form, his bike and his track record. His secret also lies in the entourage he has managed to mobilize around him, with a fine balance found between freshness and high standards. A life lesson, too, thatAlex Briggs details about its pilot Valentino Rossi that he has been around for decades.
He remembers : " When Vale joined us in 2000, he had already won two titles. What impressed me the most? In three days he knew all our names, he knew if we had a girlfriend or a wife, if we had children and what they did. He showed so much interest in us it was great. There are drivers who have worked in the same team for years and who don't even know the name or family situation of their mechanics »
A local approach which then fuels a positive synergy. And it is moreover this essence which makes the machine run Red at full speed: Valentino goes faster when he is happy. He likes to joke on the starting grid. Joke about anything, it could be a joke about a starting gate hostess, grid position or the first corner. The way you see him in interviews is very similar to the way he is in life in general. Very very funny. Valentino has one of the best racing minds I have ever met. He has everything under control. »
Above all, the champion of Tavullia never panicked, even in the most difficult moments. He never showed a gesture of anger or direct criticism towards his staff. “ In 20 years of collaboration, we have had to face fantastic battles, but also terrible races. I never saw Rossi, not once, kick the boards or throw the helmet. Even after losing a title, he never lost his composure, he maintained respect for the work and efforts of the people around him. Today, with computers and electronics, he typically spends 3-4 hours studying the data " concluded Alex Briggs. “ And his obsessive attention to detail can only be stimulating. »
Valentino Rossi must decide this year on what to do with his career. It is already certain that he will not be an official Yamaha rider since fabio quartararo will succeed him alongside Maverick Vinales. So he only has two choices left: one more year with a Yamaha Petronas. Or retirement…
