Mugello is like no other Grand Prix, especially for Valentino Rossi, who rode nine times in the Tuscan hills. This weekend will be his 25th race at Mugello (he only missed 2010 due to injury since 1996) and he will be in good company with many of his students for the first time in all categories in all categories. As always, Alessio “Uccio” Salucci will be at his side. His shadow in the garage, but also his right hand for the VR46 teams.
“We are in every class. Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP“, Said Uccio satisfied. “I’m happy for the CIV boys. It will be very important to your growth if you enter this race with the right philosophy. You have to try to look to others in order to improve. If instead they want to beat those in the World Cup, that’s all wrong. We would only do great harm. I’ve tried to explain it to both Alberto and Elia, but they may not care what I say. ” he said with a laugh.“I hope you take it as a learning opportunity.”
With this starting grid, it’s really a home Grand Prix.
“For me and Vale, who are old, Mugello arrived before Misano and this GP is very important to us. W.e grew up here since 1996. It is an important event and it is a great pleasure to have three teams, or rather two and a half, with all the Italian drivers that we have developed from a young age.”
What is your first memory of Mugello?
“In 1994 Vale went there on a scooter and, if I remember correctly, someone brought me in a car. I have the picture of the two of us in front of the paddock. We waited for Maurizio Vitali, who was supposed to be bringing two passports, but he never arrived and I still blame him for it todayHe said with a laugh. “We watched the race in the Casanova Savelli and it was great to see Schwantz and Doohan, Capirossi, Romboni and Biaggi. I still remember that atmosphere.”
You got the passport the following year.
“No thanks to Vitali!” He laughed. “Vale competed in the European race, but there was a separate paddock. The following year we were in the World Championship paddock. “
What is your fondest memory from many years of racing?
“The first time is always something special. Vale’s first win in 1997 in the 125cc is memorable for me. Two years ago we were waiting for the pass at the gates. “
In total, Valentino won nine races at Mugello, seven in a row. What is special about Mugello for him?
“Maybe because it is a difficult and tough route on which you can make a difference. There are a lot of corners and Vale was really strong there. I remember Casanova Savelli, Arrabbiate 1 and 2. Then the additional motivation of the home race also played a role. There are many things that make the difference. “
Are there any anecdotes about the nights in Mugello?
“I remember Thursday night when we were going to the fan club dinner when Vale had a fake beard in disguise. I’m talking about the early 2000s. Back then in Mugello there were already 70,000 people on Thursday evenings, and we drove through the streets to the restaurant on hooded scooters. They are memories that I will never forget. “
Didn’t they ever catch you on the way?
“We did it for about ten years and sometimes they did, luckily always at the end of dinner. It was a party, but we had to leave quickly. We Italians are fiery, ”he said with a laugh. “I think we’re the number one audience. I remember the roar every time Vale passed Casanova Savelli. I knew from the garage that he was there without being on TV. “
There is also a bad memory of Mugello: the serious injury in 2010.
“The friendliest route also gave us away, but I don’t blame Mugello. Vale had been injured in the cross earlier, on April 19th, my birthday. I was at the car race in Valencia, the GT Open, and they called me and said he hurt his shoulder. Maybe he should have had an operation but there was no time for that, so the doctors, along with Vale, had decided to move on. But he was in bad shape. Lorenzo was strong. It was a combination of things. Vale struggled in left turns, and at those levels, when you’re not at your best but trying to do your best, the extra you give goes a crap. It was Motocross’s fault, not Mugello’s, ”he laughed.
What kind of Grand Prix will Valentino be this weekend?
“After the first few races in total darkness, Vale found something he liked at the Jerez test and the Yamaha generally gave a little more support. In my opinion, we could have had a good race at Le Mans with a normal weekend. We hope to find the same sensations in Mugello. Vale is having fun again and we can have a good race. Mugello comes at the right time and the weather seems pretty stable too.”
Is there a risk that this could be Valentino’s last Mugello GP?
“There is a risk, though I sincerely hope it isn’t. As I said, he wants to wait until he decides, maybe during the summer break, when he has more time. He will do it, and the closest people like me and Albi (Ed. Alberto Tebaldi), will have to respect his choice. We already know our position. To continue for about another yearHe said with a laugh. “But the most important thing is to have fun.”