We will leave aside the celebrity side of the interview to extract the most interesting passages.
On his physical appearance and maturity….
“The fact that I look younger than my age is due to two things. One is genetics and the other is my mentality and what I do. I race a lot and always talk to young riders. I think I'll get a little older once I retire. »
VR46 is a large company that employs around 90 people. Did you ever think you would be a great businessman?
“My life changed in 2007. I understood it, but I decided I didn't want to stay in London. It's hard to say, but looking back, my tax problems turned out to be a good thing. I thought it would be a good idea to do something for the town (Tavullia) and from there we came up with several ideas. Today, I am happy and my life is beautiful. In addition to being a great businessman, I was lucky to have great people around me.”
Without your friends like Uccio, Albi and others you wouldn't be the same Valentino?
" Probably not. They are a safety net for me and they provide me with great support. »
You are said to be ruthless with those who have disrespected you...
“Ruthless…. Say…. I don’t like it…is that okay with you? »
So, you rule out the possibility of rebuilding your relationship with Marc Marquez?
" Yes. After what happened, we can't have a relationship anymore. However, we must be opponents on the track, for many years, I hope, and we must respect each other. It is important. »
Did you overestimate his abilities?
“More than anything, I let myself be fooled by Marquez. He really betrayed me. He said he was a fan, but it was all lies. I almost believed him and was ready to have an adult rivalry with him, 100 percent on the track, but ultimately it was all lies. In Assen, I realized that he was my friend only when he beat me. »
Compared to last season, how do you feel at the start of the new season?
" The same. The tests went well and last season started well thanks to one of the best races of my career. It will be difficult to repeat, but at least I want to be on the podium. »
Is Jorge Lorenzo the man to beat?
“Him and Marquez. At this moment, I would say more Lorenzo. »
Are you going to renew your contract?
“I will decide in five or six races, but I am quite convinced that I will spend the next few years with Yamaha. Then it will be enough, since I'm starting to have white hair. However, at 39 years old, I could take part in a few car races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Dakar rally.”
Have you thought about starting your own MotoGP team?
“I’m not really interested in that. Things would be nicer in Moto2 or Moto3. I would like to help young people develop.”
Edition: we offered you this morning a translation of some extracts from the English version. You will find this evening a complete translation of the Italian version, therefore a priori finer and certainly longer, on the site Mototribu.com
