Rossi Won’t Let Heart Alone Lead Him to Ducati
Valentino Rossi says he won’t be lured from Yamaha to Ducati next year simply because of the temptation of forming an all-Italian alliance that would please the fans. Rossi has a big decision to make around June this year as his contract with Yamaha expires this year along with that of his teammate Jorge Lorenzo and Marlboro Ducati’s Casey Stoner. Rossi has openly said he doesn’t believe Yamaha can continue to run two leading riders in 2011.
Speaking with Motorsprint, Rossi acknowledged the appeal of riding for Ducati.
“It would be nice to change because Ducati, for example, is an Italian make and the fans would be happy, but in the end you don’t take these decisions just for an emotional reason. You must also think that you’ll have to work there. So, we’ll see.”
As usual Rossi hedged his bets pointing out the success he has had with Yamaha and the comfort he has with the team.
“In order to change you must think you are going to a place where you feel better, and for me it’s difficult to think of a place where I can feel better than at Yamaha.”
Nevertheless Rossi has entertained and then denied interest in Ducati fairly consistently since his team secured Jorge Lorenzo for a further year. Rossi, with 103 GP victories is second only to his hero Giacomo Agostini in the running for the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Rossi would need a further 20 victories to overhaul Ago. This will take at least another 3 seasons (Rossi took 19 victories over the last 3 seasons). Conveniently this is how much longer Rossi seems to be committing to racing.
“I think I can still race for three years at my best,” said Rossi. “To race bikes is the thing I like the most in life.”
link: autosport.com
Ducati News Today believes that Rossi will switch to and end his career with Ducati, in the process supplanting Ago’s legacy on an Italian machine. The Italian team has already made changes to facilitate that possibility with the appointment of Rossi friendly Vittoriano Guareschi in the role of Team Manager.
One thing is for sure, the silly season will be super exciting this year with 3 of the aliens contracts expiring. Atypically it has begun long before the season starts!
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