Before Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales return in leather to present the new colors of their Yamaha M1, the two riders of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team answered questions from the presenters during the presentation which took place yesterday in Jakarta.
We report here the entirety of Valentino Rossi's comments.
First of all, how was your winter?
Valentino Rossi : " Hello everyone. At this time of the season you're still really excited, but it's a shame because the holidays are over (laughs). But we are ready: we are ready for this season.”
This is the 3rd year you've shared the box with Maverick. How's it going ?
“I think we make a good couple because he is very young and, unfortunately, I am not as young (laughs). But I have a long career and a lot of experience, and at the same time Maverick is very fast and very strong. We have good relations. We fight on track but we have good respect off track. It's all good, but like Maverick said, it's always the results that matter. We are coming out of a difficult 2018. We expect better and we will try to improve to be stronger.”
What did you learn from Maverick?
“At the moment, in MotoGP teams and especially in factory teams, you work a lot with your teammate. The 2 teams work together. We always follow what Maverick is doing on the bike and we always try to learn. He is always very strong, he always drives very precisely, he is very fast and courageous. So it’s good to have a teammate of this level because you can improve a lot and you never stop learning.”
10 years ago, in 2009, you won your 9th title, with Yamaha. What changed ?
“Unfortunately, that was a long time ago. A little too much (laughs). 2009 was a very good season where I fought with my own teammate throughout the season before being able to win the championship. I have very good memories of this season. What changed ? Lots of things… and nothing! I mean our sport, MotoGP, has changed a lot. The standard is higher now and everyone works harder than 10 years ago. On the other hand, in the team, nothing! I still feel the same way. I've been with Yamaha for a very long time now, more than 10 years, maybe 15 or 16. But it's still a very good feeling, and I think the atmosphere in the team is important to achieve good results. ".
You are the most experienced pilot on the board. What are the conditions for you to succeed again in MotoGP?
“We have to work hard because, especially in the last half, our opponents made good progress. In modern MotoGP, in my opinion, tires will be the key. We are still working to preserve the tires. From Friday morning, you have in mind to preserve the tires. It is difficult work because it is very precise. You can make a difference with your driving style but at the same time you also have to work hard with the engineers. So I think that’s our goal for this season, to try to win.”
What does the arrival of Monster as main sponsor mean to you?
“For me, I've been with Monster for a long time, and I've always felt very comfortable. First of all, I like color, and I think green and black go well with our bikes, with Yamaha's blue. We are now a little more aggressive and we are a bit like the “men in black” (laughs). It's like a big family: they help us all the time. For me, personally, there is always something to do during the season, like go-kart races or something else. I am very proud of that and it is also very important to have Monster as the main sponsor for the team, because we are all together.”
What is your biggest motivation and where does it come from?
“For me, it's the feelings I get when I ride the bike, and in particular the taste of victory or the feelings you get after a good weekend, after a victory or a podium. It’s my biggest motivation.”
Before the season starts, is there anything you'd like to say to Maverick?
“Above all, drive slowly (laughs)! Stay calm and don't attack too much! I hope to fight with Maverick for the championship in Valencia! ".
What do you think of the colors of your motorcycle?
“I like them a lot because the Yamahas are always blue, and it's beautiful, but I like it with the black of Monster. Also because they are the colors of my football team, Inter, so I feel comfortable (laughs).”
