Since Valentino Rossi established himself in the Grand Prix paddock, and it's already been 25 years, there has always been the man named Uccio Salucci at his side. It is even said that he invented the job of being the shadow of the champion, his right arm in all circumstances. He therefore knows a lot about a Doctor who is now in his forties and who must decide on his future. A dilemma in this sensitive period marked by confinement. But “Uccio” delivers some clues, among others…
Uccio Salucci is the lifelong accomplice of a Valentino Rossi who not only gave him a special place at his side, in his box, but also gave him all his confidence in an academy project VR46 who works hard for the next generation of Italian Grand Prix riders. Of all the Doctor's battles, even literally sometimes, if we remember his role as security guard in the Yamaha box, when Marc Márquez showed up after the incident of a Argentine Grand Prix, he is the memory of Vale. Moreover, in this regard, he remembers who the toughest opponent was… Márquez ? Nay: “ our strongest opponent? I would say Stoner : he was a crystalline talent difficult to decipher, capable of taking a second from Saturday to Sunday. He was not easy to beat. In fact, he beat us several times. »
But the past is one thing while the present must now determine the future. A reflection complicated by a Coronavirus which confines itself to the house and prohibits the slightest Grand Prix... But there is still a track. Uccio Salucci enlightens us thus: “ the future ? Difficult to say now because the situation is special. The idea was to do a few races and understand the situation, and it's the same now. If Valentino feels competitive he will continue, otherwise he will do something else, he is not someone who likes to relax, so he will surely be busy in another activity if he stops. He's 40 with the desire and spirit of a 28 year old, whereas with this forty, I feel like a 50 year old man. »
If the career continues, it will be with Yamaha : " changing bikes at the moment would be difficult, so Valentino's future is with Yamaha » assures the Italian who thus opens the debate on a place at Petronas, since it is acquired that fabio quartararo will be alongside Maverick Vinales in 2021: “ you should ask Jarvis... I would like to see him alongside Morbidelli, but that's just a personal opinion » ends Uuccio on GP One. One final thought that will no doubt be taken into account Jorge Lorenzo...
