WSBK, Valentino Rossi: “Johnny Rea could also be strong in MotoGP”

When he injured his leg during testing for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in 2010 by doing a high side in the Biondetti corner, Valentino discovered during his convalescence an R1 Superbike which he rode at Misano during 26 laps to assess the condition of his right tibia. The leg was satisfactory, and Vale declared himself happy to discover such an interesting motorcycle. Incidentally, it was that day on the Adriatic circuit that he met Silvano Galbussera, until then with Yamaha in Superbike, and then chief mechanic of Rossi for several seasons.

Valentino has not forgotten this interesting discovery, as he explained in a video produced by La Liga Sport TV, to discover below.

“I still follow the Superbike Championship because I love it”, said Vale. “In general I enjoy all types of motor sports. »

“I still follow Superbikes because I like them because there are a lot of good riders among whom I have a lot of friends. »

“I followed the first round in Australia at the start of the year. Phillip Island always offers amazing races because there are a lot of drops. There is always a large group fighting. »

“I really like Johnny Rea because I think he has a fantastic driving style. He could also be strong in MotoGP. »

“But also now the one that impresses me a lot is Toprak Razgatlioglu, who now races for Yamaha. He is very fast and I think he can be a very difficult rival for Rea to beat. »

Will Valentino ever compete in the World Superbike Championship? Over the entirety of a season, that is not certain. In any case, he never clearly expressed the desire to do so. On the other hand, as a wildcard in one or two races, near his home in Misano for example, why not? This would be extremely interesting for fans and would certainly give the Superbike World Championship a good boost in terms of popularity and TV coverage.

The camaraderie between Rossi and the five-time World Champion is real and has been clearly demonstrated several times. So in 2017, after Vale's injury just before the Misano GP*, Jonathan Rea, after qualifying for the Aragón Grand Prix**, posted the following message on his personal Twitter account: “A broken leg three weeks ago and then qualifying on the front row during a GP. Amazing ! You are an inspiration, Valentino Rossi. »

*Fracture of the tibia and fibula in motocross during training in early September.

**September 23.

Ana Carrasco, Johnny Rea, Valentino Rossi and Leon Haslam.