Uccio Salucci, Valentino Rossi's childhood friend who today manages the VR46 Riders Academy and the Doctor's current affairs, gave an interview to newspaper.net before Silverstone.
Obviously, the subject which tirelessly comes to the forefront, the inevitable retirement of the Italian star, now 40 years old, was discussed…
Nothing really new in the answers from the person who shares the #46 box on a daily basis, but no sign of weariness either, despite often frustrating results recently. Those who announced a possible stoppage of the transalpine rider at the end of the year, therefore before the expiry of his contract with Yamaha, will therefore be at a loss...
Uccio Salucci: « These stories, these (retirement) speeches made me smile. Fortunately, living with him every day, I know Vale's reality well and his plans are absolutely different. Yamaha is working well for next year's bike. In Valencia we will discover the M1 of 2020 and I am convinced that it will be a great bike. If we add that Vale is in great shape and still has a crazy desire to run... you will see the consequences. »
Could the contract that binds him to Yamaha until the end of 2020 be extended?
“In my opinion, everything will depend on the next season. If Vale can go fast and have a great 2020, why not see him on the track, even in 2021 and 2022. Yes, yes… anything can happen. »
What about those who could one day succeed the multiple world champion behind the wheel of the official M1? There are many contenders…
“It’s true, very true. But I say: Bravo to Viñales and even Quartararo is doing well. Afterwards, look at the ranking: both are behind. » (editor’s note: more true for Viñales since Silverstone)
A strange season...
“If I had done the interview before Zeltweg, I would have said it was going to be a tough race for us, but instead the podium narrowly escaped us. Conversely, before Jerez or Mugello, I would have said I was optimistic, but then the results... In short, this season is absolutely unpredictable, even if Vale will give 150% in the last eight GPs. I prefer not to get too excited about the title. I wish so, of course, but 2019 remains a strange year. »
