Our colleague Antonio Russo was able to interview, exclusively on behalf of Tutomotoriweb.com, Alessio Salucci, better known by his nickname Uccio, friend and assistant of Valentino Rossi, but also responsible for the Sky VR 46 Moto2 Moto3 teams.
The opportunity to better know the one who is in the Doctor's little papers, but also to take a general update on the long-term future of the latter, even if there is no longer any doubt for anyone that his situation will not change not, at least in 2019.
How did the friendship with Vale begin and how was it consolidated?
“The friendship with Vale was born from my father and Graziano, because my father and Graziano had known each other when they were young, before we were born. From the moment we were born, we got to know each other, and then we went to kindergarten together. When we were 14-15 years old we were a small group of 4-5 guys who were and still are friends, and among them there was also Vale. In 97′, 98′, he needed someone to help him in the paddock, to drive the camper van, to act as his assistant, and from there began the friendship and a life of work together. »
Who was Valentino's greatest adversary throughout his career?
“Difficult, we faced many difficult opponents, each with different characteristics. I would say Stoner, Lorenzo, but they were all hard to beat. Biaggi and Gibernau in the early days. Honestly, I'm having a hard time finding just one. All very strong. »
Did you expect it to come to this when you were a child?
“No, I’d be a braggart if I said yes. Of course, as kids we hoped to win a world championship, that's what we always said, but to win 9, a career like that, I would never have thought of it. »
Have you ever fought over a girl?
“Yes, of course, it happened when we were young, 14 or 15, as I think it happened to everyone. Then, in Tavullia, there were 2 pretty girls, so it was also easy to argue. It's not that there were many. Anyway, things were resolved within a week, between two 14 year old boys. »
What do you want to do in the future?
“My future, I see it, I hope, always in the field of motorcycles since we are building the Academy, and we also have the team, so I hope to continue working as now in these two beautiful realities. »
Is there a chance to see Vale in MotoGP in a private team before he finishes his career?
“I consider it quite difficult, I know Vale a little. He will surely stop, I hope as late as possible, but in a team factory. »
Is Superbike an option in your future plans, with the team or with Vale, before it stops?
“In life, you never know. Never say never. I don't think Vale would be too keen on a lower performance bike like the Superbike at the end of his career. Vale is a sportsman, and like any sportsman he always wants to try to achieve the maximum. The sport where there is the maximum expression of motorcycling is MotoGP. He also enjoys rallying with the WRC. So for the moment no. Afterwards, you never know, maybe a great project with Yamaha, why not? »
If the tenth title arrives this year, could Valentino Rossi also decide to stop?
“Let’s try to win first, then we’ll see.” »
Shed some light on what's been happening at Ducati over the past two years. Domenicali said that Valentino Rossi rarely went to the factory (see here), can you give us some clarification on this?
" I do not remember. That it happened like that is a very unpleasant thing, but frankly, I can't tell you why it happened like that. »
What are the VR46 team’s goals for next season?
“We are all leaving, in Moto3 and Moto2, at least to get on the podium and win a few races. Afterwards, if we're lucky, we'll see. »
Valentino has now tried the new Yamaha, what do you think? How does the bike still need improvement?
“The new Yamaha works very well, the bike works. We're a little behind with electronics, but I'm sure we can fill that gap when the time comes. »
How are the relationships with Marquez and Lorenzo?
“These are normal relationships, respect, but no more. In my opinion, real relationships are outside the paddock. There, there are working relationships. »
