MotoGP – Valentino Rossi: 'I'm the man to beat'

In an interview given to Tgcom Valentino Rossi declares himself the man to beat. The 5-time world champion who moved to Yamaha this year is at the top of the world rankings with a 22 point advantage over the Biaggi - Gibernau duo. Last year no one, especially his opponents, believed that Vale would have had the courage to move to Yamaha. Instead, the Pesaro rider surprised everyone by winning on his debut at Welkom after an exciting duel with his long-time rival Max Biaggi. If Rossi were to win the title on his debut he could look for new challenges and the first that comes to mind is F1. Here are his words:

“When I changed teams people didn't judge my move as `clever`, but said it was stupid but thanks to my faithful team of mechanics the results are better than I expected. My chief mechanic Jeremy Burgess is certainly the key character in this over-the-top first part of the season. I was 120% convinced of the opportunity to still have him by my side, also because if he was with me he certainly couldn't work for Honda." Then Rossi talks about Biaggi: “Every time Biaggi is in trouble, when people think he's finished, he comes back stronger than before – continues Valentinik – Our victories this half of the season have created great anticipation: I I'm the man to beat." When asked about the test carried out with the Ferrari F1 he replied: “I did it because the dream of every Italian is to drive a Ferrari, and cars have always been a passion of mine. As for my future, however, I know nothing. I have another year on my contract with Yamaha, and I could also extend with them."