He is what we call (wrongly) a “telemetrist”, a position that could not be more strategic in a modern MotoGP subject to electronics where you have to know how to set up the expert chips. And when you're in charge of Valentino Rossi's bike, the role has even more significance. This is the responsibility of a certain Matteo Flamigni who is nevertheless not on the verge of depression. Quite the contrary.
He is one of the faithful members of the Vale troop. At his side since 2004, he shared the titles of 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009, he crossed the Ducati desert with him before returning to Yamaha. A return of the king who has not yet been combined with a crown currently on the head of the other pilot of the three tuning forks, Jorge Lorenzo. Last year, the blow came close and the disillusionment was all the greater. But the motivation never wavered. And this year, the quest for the tenth title has resumed.
A determination that the Italian engineer appreciates. Because the working method Red leaves no room for discouragement: “ Vale does not bring the pressure of the stakes. He makes things easy, that it flows naturally. Everything is channeled in the right direction, without too much stress. It also helps us a lot » comments Matteo on InSella.it. “ What will always amaze me is his great humility, his insatiable desire to learn. He is always looking for improvements and takes nothing for granted ».
This pushes you to give your best. Still, the stakes are high because of a personal dimension: “ this year, he is very very strong, I see him motivated as rarely, hungry for revenge, to take back what was taken last year ". We must therefore give change and this season, the arrival of Michelin seems to have given him an additional opportunity to reach the goal: “ the Michelins suit his style more. They allow you to do two or three laps during qualifying. Vale never liked playing everything on one lap, which is what we had to do with Bridgestone. His style is also less aggressive. This year he has a better chance to show his true value ».
Valentino Rossi, before next week's meeting at Assen, has two victories to his credit but also two retirements. He is third in the provisional general standings, 22 lengths behind the leader. Marc Marquez and 12 points behind his teammate Jorge Lorenzo.
