Photo: Yamaha Racing Team
During the press conference ahead of the Grand Prix de France, Valentino Rossi was asked directly about his relationship with Yamaha. His answer made it clear that the 9-time World Champion is looking forward to continue his contract with Yamaha, so it looks like we’re in for more racing excellence from the Doctor.
At 35, Rossi is definitely closing to the end of his racing career, but it looks like there’s more to be expected from him. After two fruitless and frustrating seasons spent aboard Ducati machinery, his return to Yamaha was welcomed with excitement by his fans, who hoped he will become once more a constant presence on the podium.
However, the first season back with Yamaha was less successful than we all expected, and it was obvious that something was much different. With only one victory, 4 second positions and one third position in 2013, some started to believe that Rossi was through, and he should hang his leathers. Rossi himself admitted that the first season back with Yamaha did not go as he hoped it would, but he also said that he was willing to try harder.
Rossi decided to replace his crew chief Jeremy Burgess, a long-time partner and friend. While it looks like their friendship endured the end of their professional relationship, Rossi and his new crew boss Silvano Galbusera were ready to make a change, and together with Yamaha’s help, it looks like they actually made it.
What was a questionable future relationship between Rossi and Yamaha now looks like a truly promising continued collaboration, as the Doctor has improved his racing noticeably, with 2 third positions in the first 4 races of the season, and becoming better with each round. Still, Rossi’s declarations in early season remain valid, and he is still waiting to analyze his results in the first 6 races, and only then make a decision.
Still, it looks like Rossi is quite happy with the development of his bike and is getting along quite well with his team. The new chassis work better and Rossi feels quite confident he can increase his pace, therefore he is now openly admitting he’s looking forward to talking to Yamaha about a new 2-year contract. Given the noticeably better form and frame of mind this season, we can safely presume that we will see Rossi aboard the M1 for two more years.
What’s going to happen after 2016, well that’s another story. Even if he decides to put an end to his career as a motorcycleracer, Rossi is still going to be deeply involved in the Grand Prix business with his Moto3 team, which is already showing strong potential. And he's also considering car racing, even though he'd most likely be in WRC, rather than in Dakar, like the KTM legend Cyril Despres.
However, the first season back with Yamaha was less successful than we all expected, and it was obvious that something was much different. With only one victory, 4 second positions and one third position in 2013, some started to believe that Rossi was through, and he should hang his leathers. Rossi himself admitted that the first season back with Yamaha did not go as he hoped it would, but he also said that he was willing to try harder.
Rossi decided to replace his crew chief Jeremy Burgess, a long-time partner and friend. While it looks like their friendship endured the end of their professional relationship, Rossi and his new crew boss Silvano Galbusera were ready to make a change, and together with Yamaha’s help, it looks like they actually made it.
What was a questionable future relationship between Rossi and Yamaha now looks like a truly promising continued collaboration, as the Doctor has improved his racing noticeably, with 2 third positions in the first 4 races of the season, and becoming better with each round. Still, Rossi’s declarations in early season remain valid, and he is still waiting to analyze his results in the first 6 races, and only then make a decision.
Still, it looks like Rossi is quite happy with the development of his bike and is getting along quite well with his team. The new chassis work better and Rossi feels quite confident he can increase his pace, therefore he is now openly admitting he’s looking forward to talking to Yamaha about a new 2-year contract. Given the noticeably better form and frame of mind this season, we can safely presume that we will see Rossi aboard the M1 for two more years.
What’s going to happen after 2016, well that’s another story. Even if he decides to put an end to his career as a motorcycleracer, Rossi is still going to be deeply involved in the Grand Prix business with his Moto3 team, which is already showing strong potential. And he's also considering car racing, even though he'd most likely be in WRC, rather than in Dakar, like the KTM legend Cyril Despres.
Google News