MotoGP – Alex Barros explains the reasons for his retirement

The professionals will certainly miss him, as will the enthusiasts, who have followed his competitive exploits in almost 20 years of competitions at the highest levels between 500/MotoGP and, for one season, in Superbike. Alex Barros will not be at the start this year in the MotoGP, due to a retirement at the end of a 2007 which saw him protagonist of several tests in top form, among which the third place at Mugello with the Ducati Desmosedici GP7 undoubtedly stands out “Sat” by the Pramac d'Antin team. The Brazilian, former official rider for Cagiva, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha, explained to the American magazine Cycle News the reasons for this withdrawal, citing a different programming of his now former team and the desire, after 20 years of racing, to fight only with competitive bikes, in order to achieve the goal he has pursued all his life: the world title.

“We had a two-year agreement with the d'Antin team: at the end of last season, however, we spoke to each other, and I understood that there was no possibility of continuing to race”, sincere Alex. “The new sponsor (Alice) and Ducati pushed to have two young riders on the track, and so they chose other paths for 2008. This is life, these are racing, I understood the situation and I didn't make too many problems".

Barros subsequently explained why he did not return to racing in Superbike, where he won a race in Imola in 2006 with the Honda of the Klaffi team. “I was in contact with several teams (Kawasaki PSG-1 and some Honda branded structures, including the world champion team Ten Kate, ed.), but I would have accepted their proposal only if there was a real possibility of fighting for the victory. My dream was and, all things considered, remains, to win the world title: I'm not interested in racing just for money or to be a supporting character. I want to win, that's all I care about, really.".

Alex therefore decided to retire, dedicating himself to the family business. But was he happy with this choice? “Right now I'm happy, I have no regrets”, Alex admits. “For years I tried to win the world title, I didn't succeed: well, that's all I've lacked in my career. But now my life is no longer dedicated to racing. I would like to see a Brazilian rider in MotoGP as soon as possible: for my part, I will try to do everything possible to ensure this happens as soon as possible.".

Alessio Piana