If we often regret that circumstances deprived us of a duel between the double World Champion Casey Stoner and the then young prodigy Marc Marquez, we must not forget that another big meeting was missed at Honda: that of the five-time title winner Mick Doohan with the then nugget Valentino Rossi. The Australian therefore refreshes our memory by insisting on the fact that he wanted this challenge with the representative of the new generation…
To conquer without danger, we triumph without glory, they say. To change the situation, certain riders that critics consider to be in their comfort zone choose another motorcycle, to show that with any bottle, they can make you drunk. Others stay but accept big challenges with talented teammates. It was this option that was chosen Mick doohan wanting Valentino Rossi by his side. However…
In 1999, the serious injury occurred on the 500 which really had to be tamed. The Doctor and Doohan therefore crossed paths… And, in passing, Valentino Rossi recovered the Australian technical team led by Jeremy Burgess.
During an interview in the Fox show Under the Visor, Mick doohan returned to this period: “I wanted Rossi as a partner, it wouldn't have been a problem to have him in my box because each of us would have had our own sponsor. Valentino was fast from the start and that's why I wanted him with me, it would have been a difficult challenge I'm sure. I would have caused him a lot of problems and vice versahas ".
“Rossi will have the best equipment”
The Australian driver then continued on the prospect of Vale arriving at Petronas Yamaha : " they will give him the best equipment even if he goes to a satellite team and there is no one better than him for the development of the bike, so it's perfect. He is always competitive and I personally admire his dedication because he is always able to get on the podium starting 8th for example. What's happening right now is it's hard to know if anyone else has Marquez's speed ».
Doohan concluded : " Today's motorcycles are amazing, but could anyone ride them without all the electronics? Some drivers need it, but Marquez could certainly do without it, even if it would be complicated for the qualifications ».
