Valentino Rossi has seen many “season finals” in his career, but this one will be different because on Sunday he will leave the Yamaha factory garage, where he arrived in 2004 – after two years’ absence from Ducati – before returning. Together they have achieved many successes and the Doctor will still be associated with the Iwata manufacturer in 2021, but will wear different colors than those of the Petronas team.
Valentino, when you look back, what memories do you remember most?
“There have been so many good moments since I arrived in 2004, but what I remember most is how much I talked to Lin Jarvis and he gave me the opportunity to return to the factory team after two years at Ducati. At that moment I was desperate and without this opportunity I would probably have stopped driving. I will always be grateful to Yamaha for that. Our story is divided into two parts, in the second part I won less, but there were still unbelievable moments. I will miss this team very much ”.
Let’s get to this season. What voice would you give yourself and Yamaha?
“It was a difficult year, I scored very few points. I was quick in a few races, but unfortunately after the second GP in Jerez I couldn’t get on the podium, even though I was close at Misano. Therefore I would give myself a 5 while Yamaha has won a lot of races so it deserves a 7 “.
Vinales said the priority for the M1 in 2021 is to find more grip at the rear.
“We suffered a lot from this problem and if we don’t get the tires to work the bike will be difficult to ride. So I agree with him, but at the same time we also have to work on improving the top speed.
Maverick also said the mistake was changing direction after 2016.
“The transition from 2016 to 2017 was crucial for Yamaha because we were beginning to suffer. Before that we had a very competitive bike with which we could fight for the title. But I can’t tell if it was Yamaha or our rivals who have continued to improve. We need to be able to move forward as they did ”.
Suzuki especially. Dovizioso said his secret is simplicity, do you agree?
“It’s certainly a simpler bike than Ducati, which is always working hard to come up with new solutions. I think Suzuki did a great job improving its strengths as well gave his riders a bike that helps you ride and that is important for the championship. “
Sunday will be the last race for Crutchlow and Dovizioso, how does that affect you?
“I never like it when a career comes to an end. Cal came from SBK and then had a great career in MotoGP. I particularly remember his first win in Brno in 2016, where I finished second. I have a long relationship with Dovi that began in the days of minibikes. I fought a lot with him, in 2016 in Malaysia we fought for the whole race and then he won.
Now let’s talk about your brother Marini who is still fighting for the Moto2 title.
“He could have come to this race with more points, too bad, it’s not over for him yet, but the disadvantage is pretty big and not everything is in his hands. Luca had a difficult time after Le Mans, he suffered a severe blow and then the race was run in difficult conditions, the worst. Also in Aragon he only got a few points and It’s a shame because he has shown that he has the speed to fight for this championship to the end.
How would you like to end this championship?
“Coming from a difficult moment after catching Covid, I had a technical problem in the first race in Valencia, I managed to finish the second but I wasn’t very fast. It’s a point to start over, I want to have a good race, feel good on the bike.