MotoGP | Jerez GP: Valentino Rossi, “I told Bagnaia to go slower”

MotoGP Gp Jerez de La Frontera – On the occasion of the Spanish Grand Prix, the fourth stage of the 2023 MotoGP, Valentino Rossi is present in his team's pits, not as a rider but as team owner.

The rider from Tavullia, the most successful in the history of Jerez, was interviewed by Sky Sport MotoGP and spoke about the Academy riders and the past.

The point about Valentino Rossi's team

“It's nice to be back here as a team owner, it's definitely more relaxing than being a driver. I am very happy and proud of the team, of Luca and Bez, they are really good. When we started the MotoGP team we didn't even think we would be able to win and to do it so soon was exciting. Luca is very curious, he asks many questions and tries to understand from others, he is very intelligent, stealing secrets from Rins was important but he didn't tell him anything. We are happy with Bez, we have two strong and fast riders, but they are very different. It's good for them because they grow together. Bezzecchi is explosive and heartfelt, he is very important but he also still has to push himself and improve to win the world championship."

Valentino Rossi's point on Francesco Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli

“We talked a lot with Pecco when he came back. I tried to explain what I thought and where he went wrong. It's difficult. When you go fast and fall in front it's difficult to accept and admit. I just told him to go a little slower which is fine too. Morbidelli is not too far away. he is driving well. These races are important to remain an official Yamaha. The problem is that Yamaha's technical situation is difficult. Quartararo is also in difficulty. It's difficult to give your best when you're fighting for positions at the back. He must hold on and hope to improve."

Valentino Rossi's past in Jerez

“I remember the 2016 victory well, it's much closer, in front of Lorenzo and Marquez it was cool. The best match was the one against Gibernau. There we were playing for more than the victory, we were coming from a difficult moment, he had got me disqualified in the previous race, and I was a bit angry with him so it was important. Here I also had many celebrations, such as swimming and bowling. This is one of the most beautiful GPs there is always a beautiful atmosphere"

Valentino Rossi's thoughts on Pedrosa

“Pedrosa is going strong and it's scary. It's not easy to be that fast without always running. He's a lot younger than me but he's always gone strong.”