On this Thursday, June 24, 2021, Valentino Rossi answered questions from journalists from the Assen circuit, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the Italian pilot, who it was announced today that the VR46 structure will be present next year in the premier category in partnership with Aramco and Ducati. On a sporting level, after a difficult start to the season, the Doctor will try to redress the balance this weekend at Assen, on a track that he particularly likes and where he has won ten successes so far.
As usual, we report here the words of Valentino Rossi without the slightest formatting.
Valentino, you have an impressive track record at Assen. You have so many memories here, so many great battles, you must be very happy every time you come back here? Furthermore, give us more details on your future team which will be competing in MotoGP from 2022.
“Asse is an incredible place, it's a track that more or less all drivers love. To begin with, it is the track which has the greatest history of all motorcycle competitions, and it has been present on the calendar since the beginning. Then, we can say that the layout is fantastic. And even though it's been modified, there's still that touch of the old Assen, so it's still a great pleasure to drive here. »
" For to respond to your second request, it is now official that the VR46 team will be present in MotoGP. We are all very happy and very proud of this project, which dates back to 2011 with the establishment of the Riders Acadamy as well as the Moto3 and Moto2 teams. A lot of good people have been involved in this project, and everyone is really excited. We are going to use a Ducati, therefore an Italian motorcycle which will be entrusted to Italian riders. I think it's something beneficial and we're going to have a lot of fun. »
You said that a decision would be made regarding your future, either just before the summer break or during it. Have you come to any conclusion on this and if not, is driving for your own team next year one of your possibilities?
" I I still haven't made a decision, and I'm going to think about it more deeply during this break, because I also have to discuss it with Yamaha and the whole team. What is certain is that we want better performance and better results. The first part of the season hasn't been fantastic from that point of view so far, and so it will be very difficult for me to drive again next year. It's true that there is the Prince [Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Saud, who supports the project] who supports me in the team with Ducati, but for the moment I must say that it will be very difficult. »
« I want better performance and better results »
As you just said, the Prince is doing everything so that you continue to race next year with Luca [Marini] in your team. Did you know he was going to say that in the press release? Furthermore, a few weeks ago you said that there was virtually no chance that you would ride a Ducati, and now you confine yourself to saying that it will be difficult. Can we conclude that there is still a greater chance that you will race again next year?
" We talked several times, and he always pushed me to continue driving next year, but honestly I didn't expect him to speak out in the press. I know he would like to set this up with me and my brother, but I stand by what I said: It will be really very difficult for me to ride again next year, whether on a Ducati or not . »
How do you see your relationship with Yamaha evolving once you have finished your career?
" My Relations with Yamaha are very good. I think I spent the best years of my career with them. But after we all sat around the table we made the decision to turn to Ducati because it is the best option for everyone. The bike is very fast, and they have always supported our Riders Academy, so it will be good like that. But in my heart I will always remain a Yamaha rider, because we have shared many moments together. »
« In my heart I will always remain a Yamaha rider »
We know that there have been discussions with Suzuki, but also with Aprilia and even Yamaha. Can you explain to us why you ultimately chose Ducati?
" We We've spoken with a lot of different brands, but when you're doing these types of negotiations, there are a myriad of different things to consider. You have to take into consideration the price of the bike, the support you can get... On this point it was mainly Yamaha and Ducati who offered the most guarantees. »
"When we discussed, I must say that we had good relations with Paolo Ciabatti [the sporting director of Ducati], who has always worked on this project, but also with Gigi Dall'Igna [Director of Ducati Corse]. They will make a big effort next year, with a lot of bikes on the grid. The bike is competitive, and I believe that in the end the decision was made because we share more things with Ducati, in particular the desire to offer a breeding ground for young Italian riders. Ultimately, this is the main reason for this decision. »
« I let's share more things with Ducati »
Now that tires and electronics are standardized and there is the presence of the holeshot device, can we say that the driver's part in performance has become minor? Is the human factor less than in the past?
" I think it's different. I'm not sure the human side has become less important. I think it's pretty much the same thing. Maybe in the past the rider could make a little more difference, and performance depended 60% on the rider and 40% on the bike. Now it would be more like 50/50, so I don't think it changes things much. Whatever happens, the strongest drivers are the guys who are in front, and the situation is more or less the same because if you have a better driver, in the end he will be the one who arrives in front. »
Valentino Rossi, German MotoGP race, June 20, 2021
You have just become an honorary citizen of Assen. Have you ever had the opportunity to visit the city and do you have any special memories, including celebrations following one of your ten victories here?
" I am very proud, it's a great honor, because in my opinion Assen is an important name for all riders as well as for all motorcycle racing fans because it's a magical track, it's one of the most famous. I must say that I also have the keys to the city of Laguna Seca! But to stay on Assen, all the drivers will tell you, here we only see the track and the paddock, because we are there to work! But it happened in the past that I risked an outing in Assen itself, and it was always very nice. »
In recent years Assen has invested a lot both in the track, with the laying of new asphalt, but also in the fans with new stands. Other tracks, however, are in difficulty, for example Brno which has disappeared from the calendar. So do you think that Assen is an example for other circuits in MotoGP?
" It is It's difficult to understand what's going on with each track, because each track has its own budget, its own history, but what is clear is that Assen is a fantastic circuit. They modified the first part of the track, which is good, but in the end the route is a little shorter and a little less good, even if we still have great sensations. The asphalt is also very good in all conditions and the stands are like a stadium. This is something you can find on other tracks, which really offer a good atmosphere, but here the grandstands start from the last sector and continue until the first corner. They have really done a good job over the years. »
« Assen is a great circuit »
Max Biaggi gave an interview for his fiftieth birthday, and he of course returned to your rivalry. He famously said that it's passion that gets you up in the morning and inspires you to continue flying. Is your passion still the same as in the past?
" I think that what we do is not work. It is something that allows you to live a superb life. I think most riders are driven by passion and what they feel on a racing bike. It's something you notice when you're very young, as soon as you get on your first motorcycle. »
“I concerning the passion is always very strong, and I take immeasurable pleasure, but the results are also very important from this point of view. This lifestyle is very stressful, you have to train a lot and you always feel a lot of pressure from outside and from yourself. Passion for me is not a problem, but it is also important to obtain good results, because like in all sports that is what makes the difference. »
« La passion is not a problem for me, but you also have to get results »
Valentino Rossi, German MotoGP race, June 20, 2021
