Barely back from his tests at Sepang, Valentino Rossi went to the premises of Radio Deejay to discuss live a season which he describes as “very long, but less than in Formula 1”.
The outfit was as casual as the studio atmosphere (see full video at the end of the article), and the Doctor's words are in no way premeditated. However, and because it is extremely rare for the man from Tavullia to grant more than 10 minutes of interview, even to the biggest names in the specialized press, many of his comments deserve to be reported...
If the first part provided some “domestic information” as well as theexplanation of his unmissable presence at the start of the Moto3, the second chapter illustrated its current work mixed with a zest of personal life. This latest opus addresses his employer and his main adversaries.
Once free of the jokes and the numerous interruptions from the hosts, here are some of his words.
Valentino Rossi continues off-air by declaring that he is not bothered by fans at home, or by going to dinner in Riccione, then goes back on-air by mentioning the Monza Rally where his first participation dates back to 1997, and for which he only trains in karting.
The conversation briefly touches on the difficult years spent at Ducati before the Doctor admits that his return to Yamaha was not obvious. Indeed, the Japanese leaders initially refused to allow him to return, and it was only by insisting on numerous occasions (and perhaps also thanks to external intervention: the Doctor did not nor the time to deny or confirm) that the Italian pilot has found a handlebar that he intends to keep until the end of his career. Valentino Rossi confesses that it was a particularly difficult moment…
Led in this direction by the host, the debate then turns to the subject of his opponents, starting with number 46's own current teammate, Maverick Vinales: “It’s not true that I chose it. This is not true. For me, I would have much preferred Pedrosa who is much older (laughs). I was hoping to have a smaller problem, but after initial testing it looks like the problem will be at least equal. He is very quick and a little friendlier (response suggested by the presenter). With Lorenzo, our relations deteriorated at the end of 2015, because we had a fairly strong dispute. After that, our relationship was ruined. No doubt with Vinales it will be a little better. For sure. It was difficult but after the last race, in Valencia, he came to me and hugged me, he told me that he had always respected me. It was a good time. Let's applaud! »
The host then directs Valentino Rossi on the subject Marquez…
“Luckily he’s not my teammate. It's difficult but I think he showed a lot about himself during the 2015 season finale. Between us, there will be nothing left except working relationships and respect. He's really a great driver, very strong. He never gives up and always does everything to win. He has an ability specific to the latest generation.
He has a particular style, with his elbow on the ground, he often loses the front of the bike but does not fall. He's a little too strong! (laughs). »
And the Italian champion ends by declaring that he always eats pasta with tomato sauce before the race. But beware; not just any tomato sauce… Only the one that comes from his house!
In the end, the overall interview is extremely rich and Valentino Rossi, very relaxed but sincere, “dropped” much more information than during most press conferences. His “controversial” remarks clearly show that he has not forgotten the dispute of 2015 but that the situation is stabilizing.
The interview took place at the beginning of December, so now let's move on to 2017!
