Rossi recently announced the extension of his contract with Yamaha for 2019 and 2020, but what will happen to him next? Will he still have the desire to race, will he set up his own team, or will he take over from Carmelo Ezpeleta at the helm of Dorna?
Why did you continue with Yamaha? “ I do it because I enjoy it. Everything is connected with it. I just like riding a motorcycle. Drive, win, or at least try, and stay competitive. I do this because I love this life, which also has its difficult moments. I dreamed about it when I was four or five years old. How am I supposed to say I've had enough? Impossible ! » explained Vale to Oliver Feldtweg and Waldemar Da Rin for speedweek.
Valentino, you just turned 39. After signing another two years, does that mean another three years in MotoGP?
“It's entirely possible that it will be physically demanding for me, so I'll have to train more, which I've never really enjoyed. Like working in the pits, being panicked by the numerous settings, struggling with the tires and recovering all the data. It's definitely better because I'm lucky enough to be in a fantastic team. All real friends, it makes everything easier. »
By 2020, it will be 25 years of MotoGP.
“Who would have dared to expect such a thing at the beginning? A quarter century. I remember the first year well in 1996. The CEO of Aprilia, Ivano Beggio, trusted me then. I was just a little boy and didn't think much of it. I never would have imagined what has happened since. Instead, when I signed the penultimate contract two years ago, I thought it might be the last time. Immediately a kind of sadness took hold of me. »
When did you really decide to continue?
“Actually, my head has always been clear. Yamaha told me in November, take as much time as you want. I could instinctively respond and say “yes.” But I thought, let's wait until winter, which is quite tedious with all the training and testing in the world. If all is well, that's a sign. »
Do you mean that the Yamaha M1 works perfectly after all the uncertainties?
" It's true. The whole thing, so the engine, frame and electronics work better than last year. Still, one win and six podiums in 2017 wasn't bad for an old man, was it? The intention now is to finish consistently in the top three and stay in contention until the end of the championship. »
Progress, competitiveness, suffering – and this at your age?
“When it comes to determination, I'm on par with the rest. Of course, MotoGP demands more and more from you today. The level has increased incredibly. This year, the championship will probably be even more balanced than ever. At least ten drivers can win on paper. Márquez, Dovizioso, Vinales, zarco, Pedrosa, Iannone, Lorenzo, Crutchlow, Petrucci, and the much sought after…”
You are obsessed with winning your tenth world title. The problem is, if you win in 2018, what will you do over the next two years?
“A good question. Let's start by winning the tenth. After that ? This will hardly change. I'll probably try to win the eleventh. I will continue and try again. »
Nine years have passed since your last MotoGP title. Why didn't you quit as World Champion in 2009?
“It's very difficult to stop when you're at your peak. I know a few of them, Schumacher, Troy Bayliss, Max Biaggi, who, in their best years, preferred to stop, then come back. I know very well, they were missing something inside. That's why I didn't want to do it right away. I prefer to give everything and now. »
But at some point, did you seriously consider stopping?
“During the two years with Ducati, and with Marco (Simoncelli). But that would have been the wrong answer. And I think I made the right decision. »
As long as you participate in the World Championship, you do not own a team in MotoGP. But it has been understood that you could become the successor to Dorna's leader, Carmelo Ezpeleta.
“Should I repeat again what interests me most at the moment? There's still time for the rest. I am happy to take care of my boys from VR46 Riders Academy and compete with them at Tavullia Ranch. It's also the secret that allowed me to stay young. »
Photos © Yamaha and Rossi personal
