Valentino Rossi was announced at the Friday press conference by his driver Marco Bezzecchi and he showed up this Saturday in Jerez, the site which hosts the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend for the fourth round of the MotoGP season. As boss of the VR46, he went to inspect his troops and he also gave advice to his academicians who can also be found at Yamaha and Ducati... And then he gave well-deserved honors to a former rival who is still putting in the effort. gas: Dani Pedrosa.
On the occasion of Spanish Grand Prix, fourth stage of the 2023 World Championship, Valentino Rossi is present in his team's pits, not as a driver but as a team owner. The Tavullia driver, the most successful in Jerez history, was interviewed by Sky Sport MotoGP and talked about the Academy pilots and the past… “ It's good to be back here as a team owner, It's definitely more relaxing than being a pilot » smiled the Doctor. “ I am very happy and proud of the team, of Luca and Bez, they are really good. When we joined the team in MotoGP we didn't even think we would be able to win and to do it so soon was exciting ».
« Luca is very curious, he asks a lot of questions and tries to understand others, he is very intelligent. He stole secrets from Rins was essential to Austin but he didn't tell him anything. We are happy with Bez, we have two strong and fast drivers, but they are very different. It’s good for them because they grow up together. Bezzecchi is explosive and sincere, it's very important but he still needs to improve to win the world championship » analyzes the boss.
Valentino Rossi: “ I tried to explain to Bagnaia what I was thinking, it's difficult »
More Valentino Rossi is also the director of an academy. It therefore also takes stock of Francesco Bagnaia et Franco Morbidelli, starting with the World Champion: “ we talked a lot with Pecco when he came back » reveals Vale. “ I tried to explain what I was thinking. It's difficult. When you go fast and fall in front, it's hard to accept and admit. I just told him to go a little slower, which is good nonetheless. Morbidelli is not too far away. It drives well. These races are important to stay in the Yamaha factory. The problem is that Yamaha's technical situation is difficult. Quartararo is also in trouble. It's difficult to give your all when you're fighting for positions at the back. He has to hold on and hope to improve ».
Valentino Rossi also has a special relationship with Jerez: “ I remember the 2016 victory well, it was close, in front of Lorenzo and Marquez, it was cool. The best match was against Gibernau. We played more than we won, we were coming out of a difficult moment, he had disqualified me in the previous round, and I was a little angry with him so it was important. Here I had a lot of celebrations, like swimming and bowling. It's one of the most beautiful GPs, there's always a great atmosphere ". A time that Dani Pedrosa continues this weekend… “ Pedrosa is going strong and it's scary. It's not easy to be that fast without running all the time. He's a lot younger than me but he's always been strong » concludes the nine-time World Champion.
