Valentino Rossi is now retired, and we can reopen the files. The seal of secrecy is lifted and as there is, moreover, a prescription, we can have fun with it. Max Biaggi contributed to the recent revelations already made by the Doctor's former rivals. We will thus remember that of Jorge Lorenzo on the terrible 2015 season and the revealed attitude of Marc Marquez. A story that still fuels resentment in the mind of the one who then lost the last opportunity to win a tenth title... Then there are lighter confidences, like those of Max Biaggi.
Max Biaggi was the very first major rival of a Valentino Rossi who still had everything to prove. Two icons and above all two Italians, a nation where people are hot-blooded and where controversy is an art. Ingredients which had even more of an effect as they responded to a request: “ At that time there was a need for something like this » assures the Roman emperor. “ there were two Italians, one a little more experienced and the other very talented who raced on the same tracks. When we met at 500 cc we didn't know each other, but it was like everything had already happened ».
From that moment on, according to the former driver, their rivalry was in the hands of the press, which was carried beyond the tracks. “ I didn't choose the role of the bad guy, like him the good one. It had to be like that. They deceived us. All it took was for a reporter to come along and say, “Do you know what he said about you?” and we exploded. We said it all, we both let them use us ", Explain biaggi in a documentary DAZN.
Max Biaggi also remembered Welkom's 2004 race. After years of victories with Honda, Valentino Rossi had made the big leap to Yamaha. The South African event marked the debut of 'Il Dottore' with his new team, and the two Italians fought to the end for victory in a memorable race. However, biaggi made a mistake in the end. “ I had everything prepared to attack him at the end. But when I crossed the finish line, I was convinced there was a lap to go and, in its place, there was the checkered flag ».
Max Biaggi: “ I'm sure things will change«
And then there is this anecdote, this confidence: “ we met in Motegi, at the height of our rivalry. I was exhausted, the rivalry was starting to weigh on me. We were in the same hotel and he, my physical therapist, and I were in the elevator. At one point I pressed the stop button, looked at my physiotherapist, then at Valentino and asked him: “ but why are you breaking my balls? What have I done to you ? '. He politely replied: “But no Max, it’s the press that says it, I’m not angry with you.” I was almost ready to believe him. Since then, we haven't spoken about it again. », concludes the Corsair. And again, at the time, there was no internet and even less social networks…
Today, a new stage can begin in the relationship between the two champions. biaggi defined Rossi like a pilot gifted, intelligent and calculating ". Furthermore, he also mentioned the possibility of meeting his rival outside the circuits. “ Now the second part of his life will begin and perhaps, one day, with a glass of wine... who knows. If he calls me, it would be very special. I'm sure things will change He concludes.
