Valentino Rossi is one of those summer soap operas which makes it possible to animate a truce which is now entering into its vigil of arms formula. Because lazing around is no longer in the cards as we approach two deadlines in Austria which will be important stages for the second part of the season. A period where Viñales, Dovizioso and Rossi will give trends on their future. For the Doctor, it is the options of piloting at home under Saudi colors or retirement which are taking shape, unless Petronas and Yamaha are definitely unable to fill their numbers. But can a nine-time World Champion run by default? A man who knows him very well, in this case one of his historic mechanics in the person of Alex Briggs, gives us some answers...
We often talk about Valentino Rossi, so much so that we don't wonder who he really is. We measure his size, we know his work, we guess his influence, but what fundamentally about the character? There is one that can enlighten us and it isAlex Briggs, historic mechanic of Valentino Rossi. He reveals in comments relayed by Tutomotoriweb the entire journey of the Doctor and his true personality away from the cameras
Briggs is one of the men who best knew Valentino Rossi during his racing career. As a mechanic, he served in his early days at Honda, then at Yamaha, Ducati and again under the awning struck by the tuning fork. But it was not the transfer to Petronas.
In a long interview with the Rusty's Garage podcast, the technician recounted his long experience with the nine-time world champion. And from his debut in the premier category of the World Championship. “ We were told this kid was coming He said. " I knew what he had won but you know... We were a little arrogant with those from the lower classes, we didn't care what was under 500, and I think Valentino liked the fact that we didn't didn't we already see him as a rising talent? ».
“Rossi is really passionate about racing”
Yet Red quickly captivated his entire team with his character and charisma. “ Vale has a personality that somehow captivates you », confirms Alex. “ He smiles, he engages you, He's a good guy. For Valentino, winning was important, but the most important thing was to enjoy the victory and the race. I saw him get off the bike after a second or third place, very happy with the way he had run, while in the box we were convinced that he would come back very angry. He loved to run ».
Here is the real number 46, behind the scenes and away from the cameras: “ everyone asks you what Valentino really looks like. The truth is that he is really passionate about racing, he tells incredible stories. He’s one of those people you’d love to have dinner with. Either way, it's pretty close to what you see on TV. Especially with us, he's really himself ».
On the sensitive issue of retirement, Briggs gets annoyed: “lPeople don't know exactly what they expect from athletes: they say they should leave when they are at their peak He said. " But why should anyone do it if they love their sport? If you feel like the best in the world that year, why should you leave? Who exactly would this be good for? Then the same people will regret later: 'Ah, it was good when he ran'. Additionally, there are also those who say that he is taking someone else's place. There are those who run for fifteen or twenty years and never reach these levels, but no one asks them the problem ". And the irony is that, at present, Yamaha cannot find the pilot who would take this place. The firm even has difficulty identifying who will succeed Casa Particular in Viñales...
