There are still three races to go until the end of Valentino Rossi’s career in MotoGP, but there is now a strong air of farewell around him. And it couldn’t be otherwise, given that the MotoGP caravan has returned to Misano for the Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Last appointment in front of the Italian fans for the “Doctor”, moreover a few kilometers from his beloved Tavullia. Although there is still a title at stake, the great protagonist of the conference that opened the weekend was him, who attracted almost all the questions.
“It is a bit strange situation, because it is already the second time I come to Misano this season. Normally, we only race once, but in the last two seasons, with the pandemic, we have got used to doing these two goals. For sure it will be a great opportunity to greet all the Italian fans and it’s always nice to race on my home circuit here in Misano. my best, “said Valentino.
“I have done more than 400 races, a long history, a long career, so I can only thank all my fans, because wherever I go I always get great support from all of them. I always try to give my best and we had fun together. in this long career, with so many wonderful races. We’ll see what happens on Sunday, but after Misano there will be two more races before the end of the championship. It’s always a bit sad to get to the end, but it was great and we had fun “, he added regarding the tribute expected on Sunday from the fans who will arrive in the Misano stands.
Last week an interview with DAZN went around the world, in which the Italian said he was paranoid thinking about his last race in Valencia. Today, however, he made it clear that perhaps his statement had been just a little decontextualized and that there is no second thoughts on his withdrawal.
“Only part of that interview was taken out of context. What I really meant is that everyone in Austria was asking me how I felt, but I had only made my decision official and I knew I had to stay focused to still half of the season, but that in Valencia it would have been different, because it would really have been my last race. It will be the last time on my bike, the last time on the grid, so it will be more exciting. Then in Italy we often say paranoia, but more a way of saying. I’m fine and haven’t changed my mind. “
The top 10 at Misano would be a nice way to end his career, even if he is aware that the fact that everyone wants a great finish on his part does not guarantee that he will.
“It’s always a bit difficult, because everyone expects something special from here in Valencia. But I have to try to stay focused, without thinking that this will be the last race in Misano and in Italy. The best thing is to try to be competitive and give your all. Finishing in the top 10 could already be a good result, even if it won’t be easy. “
At this point he was asked how he would like to be remembered by the MotoGP fans once he has hung up his helmet for good.
“Honestly, I don’t know. When you are a sportsman, your life is always a bit divided in two: on the one hand there is the driver, who everyone can follow along his career, loving him or hating him. “He is the man, who has a more intimate, personal life, who only know the people closest to him. I don’t know how I would like them to remember me. Perhaps as a good driver, with a long career and with excellent results, but the thing I will like to remember the most is that both me and the people who have followed my races all these years have enjoyed it. This would be the best way to remember me. “
But there is also something that he will bring with him of this very long adventure that lasted for 26 seasons.
“When you have been playing a sport since you were a child, you learn many things that can also be useful to you in everyday life. I have always enjoyed myself and have collected good experiences. Even if it is an individual sport, you learn to work with so many people like engineers and mechanics. This is a great experience, which makes you grow and improve as a driver. This is definitely the thing I have learned over the years. “
Valentino Rossi, Petronas Yamaha SRT
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
As mentioned, this weekend the MotoGP could also discover the name of its world champion, given that Fabio Quartararo will play his first match point, but that Pecco Bagnaia will do everything possible to deny it. The 9-time world champion was then asked what he would recommend to both of them.
“The difference is 52 points, so I think Fabio wants to close the accounts as soon as possible and that he will try on Sunday, because the longer he stretches, the more complicated it becomes to manage. I have already said to Pecco that my advice is to repeat what he did at Misano 1: take the pole, the fastest lap and win the race. It’s a good challenge, maybe it’s just a shame that Pecco lost some points over the course of the season, because it would have been more fun if they had been closer at the point level “.
Today Casey Stoner was the protagonist of a Nolan press conference, in which he said that among the reasons that led him to lose his passion for racing there was also the definitive abandonment of two-stroke engines.
“I raced against Casey for his entire career in MotoGP, which wasn’t too long, because he made his debut in 2006 and retired at the end of 2012. However, this short time was enough for him to demonstrate his natural talent. done since his first season. I’ve always enjoyed racing against him, because I think he’s one of the strongest ever. “
“Speaking of engines, I’ve raced a lot with the two-stroke ones and it’s clear that they have great charisma. You just need to hear the noise to understand that it’s more of a ‘racing’ bike than a four-stroke. But at a certain point the world has changed and MotoGP has changed too, we have moved on to four strokes and I like them: they probably control a little better thanks to the electronics, but they are incredibly fast. I think it’s a normal evolution, but the two strokes remain in my heart and of all fans “.
Finally, he was asked about the rumors related to a possible return of Davide Brivio in MotoGP, given that some rumors gave his new VR46 team among the possible destinations.
“I have a very good relationship with Davide Brivio, also because it is he who convinced me to move to Yamaha in 2004. Together we have shared the best moments of my career and I have always liked his way of working. best team manager in MotoGP, who can really make a difference, as we have seen in Suzuki in recent years. I always talk to him, but I don’t know anything about his future, so I don’t know if he will stay in Formula 1 or if he will return to MotoGP. But if he comes back he won’t do it with our team, because we have other projects and we haven’t talked to Davide about this “.
#Rossi #prepares #farewell #Sad #fun