"We continue to be very fast in the longer corners. But Honda has found something special for the small corners" - Valentino Rossi.
After an encouraging opening day at the Malaysian MotoGP, Valentino Rossi analysed the current performance advantage of Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez.
Rossi was fourth quickest in Friday practice, a fraction slower than fastest M1 rider Cal Crutchlow, but almost one-second behind pace setter Pedrosa.
“Cal beat me by a bit, but it looks like behind the two Hondas I am the strongest, also for [race] pace. The problem is that the factory Hondas are very, very fast,” said Rossi.
“We have to try the maximum, not give up, and try to improve. But for me they have an advantage. They are too fast: Pedrosa a 2m 0.5s, but also Marquez... and in the rhythm they are faster than me.
“Anyway in the last few races Jorge was able to fight with the Hondas, so we have to try. But it will be very hard.”
The seven time MotoGP champion feels that the RC213V now has the edge in many areas - such as power, fuel and straight-line speed, aided by two very fast ("and small") riders - but highlighted corner entry as the biggest advantage.
“Our bike is fantastic, but behaves more like a normal bike," Rossi stated. “We continue to be very fast in the longer corners. But Honda has found something special for the small corners. They can make a different line into the corners, they turn very quickly and follow the inside - sometimes they almost turn too much!
“Our bike has good balance and now with the seamless gearbox we don't lose a lot in acceleration. But the Honda is more 'tight' in the corners and can use the acceleration. It looks like their bike [is built around] this type of tyre, our bike is more normal.
“Before in braking and entry the Yamaha was always very fast. Until Brno last year when Honda found something very good and this year they made another step. It looks like they can use the front tyre in a better way compared to us - that is how it looks by following. I don't know if it's true.”
Rossi added: “Our seamless gearbox does not help to be smoother into the corners, but the Honda - yes. I think they have the same [smoothness] when they shift down [as when they shift up].
“We are working a lot with the Japanese engineers on our seamless. The new gearbox is fast but still has some 'shock' when
Thursday 31 October 2013
Rossi celebrates first flag-to-flag podium
Valentino Rossi converted a front row start into his sixth podium of the 2013 MotoGP season at the shortened Australian MotoGP.
The race became a 19-lap dash with mandated pit stops at half distance because of severe tyre blistering due to the new, high grip, track surface at Philip Island.
Rossi was delighted to have finished third after a stirring battle with Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista - the trio crossing the line covered by just 0.169s!
"I liked that race," said Rossi. "I'm happy because we managed to do good work in the pits and it's my first podium in a flag-to-flag race."
Changing bikes can be tricky for riders, but having struggled with handling problems on his first bike Rossi was glad to be able to jump on his second YZR-M1.
The Doctor then rode aggressively for the final nine laps as he fought with Crutchlow and Bautista.
"With the first bike I had problems with the rear, I had a big moment at the last corner, and lost two positions with Cal and Alvaro. At the change of bike I was able to overtake them another time. The second part of the race I enjoyed more because I was faster and I had a big battle with Cal on the last laps.
"On the last lap I pushed a lot with him and it started to rain, you see streaks on the visor but don't understand how much rain, but it was the last lap for the podium so I had to try for the maximum and it was OK.
"I'm so happy to be back on the podium at Philip Island because it's always a great atmosphere and for me I'm so proud. Now we have to continue to work and I look forward to Motegi next Sunday."
With Marc Marquez having missed the pit window and been disqualified by Race Direction it was interesting to hear how each rider knew when they were required to stop.
Asked how he had made his decision, Rossi admitted that accidentally stopped later than expected:
"In the race I decided to stop on the first lap available [lap 9] to have less confusion in the pits with Jorge. But on that lap I was battling with Bautista and I couldn't see the pit board.
"Then when I was exiting turn 11 I saw Bautista pull into the pits and I thought 'f**k!' So I stopped on the next lap!"
The race became a 19-lap dash with mandated pit stops at half distance because of severe tyre blistering due to the new, high grip, track surface at Philip Island.
Rossi was delighted to have finished third after a stirring battle with Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista - the trio crossing the line covered by just 0.169s!
"I liked that race," said Rossi. "I'm happy because we managed to do good work in the pits and it's my first podium in a flag-to-flag race."
Changing bikes can be tricky for riders, but having struggled with handling problems on his first bike Rossi was glad to be able to jump on his second YZR-M1.
The Doctor then rode aggressively for the final nine laps as he fought with Crutchlow and Bautista.
"With the first bike I had problems with the rear, I had a big moment at the last corner, and lost two positions with Cal and Alvaro. At the change of bike I was able to overtake them another time. The second part of the race I enjoyed more because I was faster and I had a big battle with Cal on the last laps.
"On the last lap I pushed a lot with him and it started to rain, you see streaks on the visor but don't understand how much rain, but it was the last lap for the podium so I had to try for the maximum and it was OK.
"I'm so happy to be back on the podium at Philip Island because it's always a great atmosphere and for me I'm so proud. Now we have to continue to work and I look forward to Motegi next Sunday."
With Marc Marquez having missed the pit window and been disqualified by Race Direction it was interesting to hear how each rider knew when they were required to stop.
Asked how he had made his decision, Rossi admitted that accidentally stopped later than expected:
"In the race I decided to stop on the first lap available [lap 9] to have less confusion in the pits with Jorge. But on that lap I was battling with Bautista and I couldn't see the pit board.
"Then when I was exiting turn 11 I saw Bautista pull into the pits and I thought 'f**k!' So I stopped on the next lap!"
Saturday 26 October 2013
Japanese MotoGP: Rossi warns Saturday weather ‘may be worse’
Valentino Rossi agrees with the decision to cancel the Friday practice sessions at Motegi, but is concerned that worse weather is still to come...
Valentino Rossi has warned that the already-disrupted Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi could be thrown into even greater jeopardy should the inclement weather that cancelled all of Friday's action get worse on Saturday, as predicted.
So far, no rider has turned a wheel around the Japanese venue after it was deemed that the thick fog around the remote region would have prevented the air ambulance helicopter from landing or taking off.
Though all riders, including Rossi, were in agreement that the practice sessions should not go ahead on these safety grounds, the former champion admits the cancellation could prove more critical come Saturday should the forecasted fog return.
“A great pity about today because there was good conditions for riding on the track” he said. “It was wet but there was no wind and not too much water so it's a pity that because of the helicopter we cannot ride. It's an important day today because it looks like tomorrow the weather will be worse.
“Anyway we must wait and in the end it was the right decision for safety so I am in full agreement. It is a shame though that we cannot go on the track.”
Valentino Rossi has warned that the already-disrupted Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi could be thrown into even greater jeopardy should the inclement weather that cancelled all of Friday's action get worse on Saturday, as predicted.
So far, no rider has turned a wheel around the Japanese venue after it was deemed that the thick fog around the remote region would have prevented the air ambulance helicopter from landing or taking off.
Though all riders, including Rossi, were in agreement that the practice sessions should not go ahead on these safety grounds, the former champion admits the cancellation could prove more critical come Saturday should the forecasted fog return.
“A great pity about today because there was good conditions for riding on the track” he said. “It was wet but there was no wind and not too much water so it's a pity that because of the helicopter we cannot ride. It's an important day today because it looks like tomorrow the weather will be worse.
“Anyway we must wait and in the end it was the right decision for safety so I am in full agreement. It is a shame though that we cannot go on the track.”
Lorenzo and Rossi poised for Sepang challenge
Jorge Lorenzo heads to Sepang with the knowledge that he collected his first premier class world title at the Malaysian circuit in 2010. On this occasion, the task is to out-score championship leader Marc Marquez by as many points as possible.
With four Grands Prix remaining and a maximum of 100 points left on offer, newcomer Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) heads reigning World Champion Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing) by 39 points. With a difference of five between first and second positions (25 and 20 points, respectively), Lorenzo is aware that he must aim for victories while hoping that his chief rival runs into trouble.
"Now we start the big trip, with three races in a row, and face the last part of the championship - the crucial part," Lorenzo acknowledges ahead of back-to-back races in Malaysia, Australia and Japan.
"After Aragón, where we fought so hard, we now visit a special circuit. Sepang is a track everybody knows really well. I guess all the riders will be strong there because we did a couple of pre-season tests. Sepang is a long and technical circuit with two great straights but also some nice corners. The worst thing is it’s always stormy and you never know when it is going to rain.
"I have some good memories there but we need to keep focus now on the race and try to recover a little bit to Marquez. The championship is difficult, but we want to fight until the end. Let’s see what happens!"
Lorenzo could be assisted by former arch rival and Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi, who has won at Sepang on no less than six occasions since 2001.
"The Sepang circuit is a track that I like a lot - I have had many great victories there," begins the Italian, who last time out at MotorLand Aragón picked up his fifth rostrum finish of the 2013 campaign.
"I think it suits the Yamaha quite well. It's very demanding physically, because it’s very hot, but it's also a great track and challenge because of that. I want to try to have a good weekend and work hard on the setup in order to be competitive in the race."
For Constructors’ honours ahead of the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Yamaha trails Honda by 26 points, whereas Yamaha Factory Racing is second in the Teams’ standings and 73 points in arrears of Repsol Honda Team.
Valentino Rossi and Sky form Moto3™ team
From the start of next year, Valentino Rossi will be working alongside Sky Italia - the Italian MotoGP™ broadcaster from 2014 - in order to nurture new talents in the Moto3™ category of the World Championship.
Starting with 2014, Rossi will contribute towards a project which will focus on propelling the careers of young riders on international circuits. This comes after a deal was struck between Sky and VR46, the company owned by the nine-time World Champion.
The team, of which Sky will be the principal sponsor, will race with KTM machinery and has already forwarded an official entry application to MotoGP™ governing body the FIM and commercial rights holder Dorna Sports in order to participate in the Moto3™ class.
Romano Fenati will be a rider as he continues his quest of attempting to climb to the top of the World Championship. "We have joined forces with Sky in order to give the Italian riders the opportunity to be competitive and reach the highest levels," says Rossi.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Sky Italia had acquired television rights to the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship starting with the 2014 season, offering coverage across all Sky platforms including FTA TV, pay TV, internet, mobile and Sky Go.
Monday 21 October 2013
Rossi celebrates first flag-to-flag podium
By Stephen English
Valentino Rossi converted a front row start into his sixth podium of the 2013 MotoGP season at the shortened Australian MotoGP.
The race became a 19-lap dash with mandated pit stops at half distance because of severe tyre blistering due to the new, high grip, track surface at Philip Island.
Rossi was delighted to have finished third after a stirring battle with Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista - the trio crossing the line covered by just 0.169s!
"I liked that race," said Rossi. "I'm happy because we managed to do good work in the pits and it's my first podium in a flag-to-flag race."
Changing bikes can be tricky for riders, but having struggled with handling problems on his first bike Rossi was glad to be able to jump on his second YZR-M1.
The Doctor then rode aggressively for the final nine laps as he fought with Crutchlow and Bautista.
"With the first bike I had problems with the rear, I had a big moment at the last corner, and lost two positions with Cal and Alvaro. At the change of bike I was able to overtake them another time. The second part of the race I enjoyed more because I was faster and I had a big battle with Cal on the last laps.
"On the last lap I pushed a lot with him and it started to rain, you see streaks on the visor but don't understand how much rain, but it was the last lap for the podium so I had to try for the maximum and it was OK.
"I'm so happy to be back on the podium at Philip Island because it's always a great atmosphere and for me I'm so proud. Now we have to continue to work and I look forward to Motegi next Sunday."
With Marc Marquez having missed the pit window and been disqualified by Race Direction it was interesting to hear how each rider knew when they were required to stop.
Asked how he had made his decision, Rossi admitted that accidentally stopped later than expected:
"In the race I decided to stop on the first lap available [lap 9] to have less confusion in the pits with Jorge. But on that lap I was battling with Bautista and I couldn't see the pit board.
"Then when I was exiting turn 11 I saw Bautista pull into the pits and I thought 'f**k!' So I stopped on the next lap!"
Valentino Rossi converted a front row start into his sixth podium of the 2013 MotoGP season at the shortened Australian MotoGP.
The race became a 19-lap dash with mandated pit stops at half distance because of severe tyre blistering due to the new, high grip, track surface at Philip Island.
Rossi was delighted to have finished third after a stirring battle with Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista - the trio crossing the line covered by just 0.169s!
"I liked that race," said Rossi. "I'm happy because we managed to do good work in the pits and it's my first podium in a flag-to-flag race."
Changing bikes can be tricky for riders, but having struggled with handling problems on his first bike Rossi was glad to be able to jump on his second YZR-M1.
The Doctor then rode aggressively for the final nine laps as he fought with Crutchlow and Bautista.
"With the first bike I had problems with the rear, I had a big moment at the last corner, and lost two positions with Cal and Alvaro. At the change of bike I was able to overtake them another time. The second part of the race I enjoyed more because I was faster and I had a big battle with Cal on the last laps.
"On the last lap I pushed a lot with him and it started to rain, you see streaks on the visor but don't understand how much rain, but it was the last lap for the podium so I had to try for the maximum and it was OK.
"I'm so happy to be back on the podium at Philip Island because it's always a great atmosphere and for me I'm so proud. Now we have to continue to work and I look forward to Motegi next Sunday."
With Marc Marquez having missed the pit window and been disqualified by Race Direction it was interesting to hear how each rider knew when they were required to stop.
Asked how he had made his decision, Rossi admitted that accidentally stopped later than expected:
"In the race I decided to stop on the first lap available [lap 9] to have less confusion in the pits with Jorge. But on that lap I was battling with Bautista and I couldn't see the pit board.
"Then when I was exiting turn 11 I saw Bautista pull into the pits and I thought 'f**k!' So I stopped on the next lap!"
‘Phillip Island race was thrilling’ - Rossi
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Valentino Rossi delivered another exciting performance at the Tissot Australian Grand Prix, fighting to take third place on the podium.
Rossi enjoyed yet another intense race long battle with rivals Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista. The three swapped positions in the fight for the last podium spot throughout the first ten laps and again in the following nine.
Rossi completed a quick pit stop, beating both of those aforementioned rivals out to gain two positions. As one of the most successful MotoGP riders of the modern era in Phillip Island it was never going to be easy for them to beat him.
The Italian claimed third at the line to make it onto the podium for the sixth time in 2013, before stating, “At the end the result was good, I’m so happy to be on the podium here at Phillip Island because it’s always a great pleasure and a great atmosphere. I tried to give the maximum, the race was very thrilling and I enjoyed it very much, especially because with the team we were able to do a very good job in the pit and gain two positions.”
“I had a great battle with Cal, when I understood it was for the podium I tried to give the maximum. In the last half of the lap it started to rain which was very scary but at the end it was ok and a good result. We still need to work and improve to be faster for the next race.”
Wednesday 16 October 2013
Valentino Rossi avoids unwanted record with Aragon podium
Valentino Rossi scored a fifth podium of 2013 in yesterday’s Motorland Aragon MotoGP clash in Spain to avoid creating an unwanted slice of history for himself.
With dominant Spanish trio Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez streaking away in the early stages of the 23-lap race, Rossi was once again stuck in fourth and locked in a battle with Alvaro Bautista, Stefan Bradl and Cal Crutchlow.
Had Rossi remained in fourth then he would have become the first rider in MotoGP history to finish in that position for five races in succession.
Pedrosa’s shocking bad luck, when a rear wheel speed sensor got damaged in a minor collision with Repsol Honda teammate Marquez to render his traction control useless, put the Spaniard out of the race and out of serious championship contention to move Rossi into third.
The 34-year-old though had to fight right to the chequered flag to prevent himself from claiming yet another fourth and while happy to have secured his first podium since he was third in Laguna Seca back in July, he blamed his hard Bridgestone front tyre selection for his failure to mount a stronger challenge.
Lorenzo and Marquez both opted to run the soft compound front tyre and while not disputing the outcome probably being no different, Rossi said he might have been more competitive and had a more comfortable ride to third spot.
The nine-times world champion had been boosted by topping the timesheets in the pre-race warm-up session but he never threatened a repeat of his Assen victory in late June and he said: “It is not right to be disappointed for a podium, especially as I was never able to do better than sixth place at this track.
"But considering my speed and performance in qualifying and the warm-up I hoped to stay closer to Marc and Jorge. Before the race we had to decide on the front tyre and both Marc and Jorge made the right choice.
"I was more in trouble with the hard tyre and from the beginning I was struggling, especially to stop the bike and with some understeer. It was very difficult.
"When Dani crashed I wasn't very far behind and wanted to overtake Marc who went out from the track but Dani's bike cut my line so I had to brake and go left.
"I had hoped my front tyre choice was the right one but when I started to struggle, Jorge and Marc were too fast.
"It was a great battle for the podium with Bradl and Bautista who arrived very fast and I had to push a lot on the last lap. A podium is positive but we still need to be more competitive on Sunday."
Tuesday 15 October 2013
Motorsport Activities
Rossi tested the Ferrari Formula One car in 2006 on 31 January, 1 February, and 2 February at Valencia. The first test saw Rossi spin out on the damp track into the gravel trap, ending his day. On the second day, he posted the ninth fastest time of fifteen drivers, approximately one second behind Michael Schumacher, who himself was third fastest. Rossi lapped faster than seasoned drivers Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber and David Coulthard and Toyota F1's Jarno Trulli. On the final day of testing, Rossi was just a little more than a half second behind Schumacher's best time. Schumacher hailed Rossi as having immense talent and said he would be perfectly capable of moving to Formula One and being competitive immediately.
In May 2006, Rossi announced that he would be staying in MotoGP until he felt his work on the motorbike was "finished." Ferrari driver Schumacher said that he felt "saddened" by Rossi's decision but supported it. Rossi subsequently signed a new contract with Yamaha for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, then for 2009 and 2010.
Beyond his interest in F1, Rossi's strong passion is for rallying. In Rossi's youth one of his heroes was WRC Champion Colin McRae. Rally legend McRae taught Rossi the basics of driving a rally car. The two competed against each other at the 2005 Monza Rally Show, with McRae driving a Skoda Fabia WRC and Rossi winning in a Subaru Impreza WRC.[42] His first official foray into rallying came in 2002 at WRC Rally Great Britain in a Peugeot 206 WRC, in which he crashed out on the second stage (first non-superspecial stage).
In October 2006 it was announced that Rossi would enter that year's Rally New Zealand, a WRC event which was to run from 17–19 November. He competed in a Subaru Impreza WRC04 finishing 11th out of 39. In 2006 Rossi also won the Monza Rally Show driving a Ford Focus RS WRC 04. He beat the 2005 winner Rinaldo Capello by 24 seconds, winning five of the seven stages on his way. He also managed to outpace former WRC champion Didier Auriol by seven seconds in the head-to-head Master Show final. Rossi also announced at the 2006 Monza Rally Show, that he would be entering the 2007 Rally of Great Britain, however, he later opted out. At the 2007 Monza Rally, Rossi again took first place.
Rossi had been linked with a move to both Formula One and the World Rally Championship in 2007, having tested for Ferrari and competed in a number of rally events.
But Rossi decided to remain in MotoGP; "I have a contract with Yamaha until 2008," said Rossi. "When that finishes then we will see. What I am sure about is that I will ride until I'm 31 or 32 at most. I will look for new stimuli in the next few seasons, but for now I am fully motivated". Rossi signed a new two-year contract confirming he will be at Yamaha until 2010. He originally planned to use the Impreza WRC2008 during his participation in the Rally GB in December 2008, but decided to drive a Ford Focus RS WRC 07instead. He finished the rally in 12th place, 13 minutes and 20.4 seconds behind eventual winner Sébastien Loeb.
In January 2010, Rossi has said that once he retires from motorcycle racing, he hopes to move into rallying. "There are not many changes in a man's body between 22 and 34 so I still have some time left. I would consider shifting to cars, probably rallying, after that before I finally decide to take it easy ... I know F1 would've been easier but by the time I finish MotoGP, I will be too old for F1." Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari's Formula One Team principal, however, reasserted his wish to have a third Ferrari on the F1 grid driven by Rossi, whilst confirming that Rossi would test an older Ferrari F1 car on 21 and 22 January 2010.
In March 2010, the Italian minister Franco Frattini government awarded Rossi the first Winning Italy Award for the image he portrays of his country on an international level.
In 2013, Rossi was given a special test of Kyle Busch's NASCAR Nationwide Series stock car at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rossi achieved a top speed of 185 miles per hour, a speed which would have put him in the top fifteen of a Nationwide Series race.
Who is the most popular MotoGP racer???
Valentino Rossi is a legend in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Fans around the globe cheer for the charismatic Italian and he responds with flamboyant post-race celebrations and a riding style that always attracts attention. The Doctor became a Champion of all three GP series, 125, 250, as well as the final year of classic 500cc racing. Rossi joined Mike Hailwood and Phil Read as the only men to have accomplished this task.
Valentino has been going by the motto of "one year to learn, one year to win" throughout his GP career. Rossi began racing GP in the 125 class in 1996. The following year he became the youngest ever GP champion at age 16, winning 11 rounds along the way. He was moved up to the 250 class in 1998 where he finished second with five wins. In 1999 he once again become a champion (the youngest 250 champ to date), dominating the series with nine victories. Next up: 500GP aboard the venerable Honda NSR. In 2000 young Rossi finished behind Kenny Roberts Jr. and returned in 2001 with a mission: to become a 500 GP champion. He did just that. After a year-long battle with rival, Max Biaggi, he wrapped up the championship with 11 victories and established himself as one of the greatest GP racers of all time.
After his first title in the premier class, Rossi rattled off four more with five straight wins from 2001-2005. During that five-year span, The Doctor’s position as GP champion was challenged but never bested by his lead rivals: Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau. Rossi also made an unexpected move during that timespan, switching from the long dominant Honda to Yamaha, which he promptly developed into a title-winning machine.
The most dominating rider in the modern era, the unthinkable happened when Rossi lost his title to Nicky Hayden in 2006. Rossi's failure came when he crashed during the season finale at Valencia, losing his points lead to Hayden. Sporting the Excalibur motif on his 2007 preseason factory Yamaha, the unspoken message from Rossi was loud and clear: The once and future king is dead set on recovering his crown. The Doctor fell short in 2007, however, losing his supremacy to Ducati's Casey Stoner and finishing the season third in the championship.
In 2008 Rossi took Fiat Yamaha and switched to Bridgestone rubber, the same slicks as Stoner. The result was a return to form and a dominating season from Rossi, with another MotoGP crown. The following year Rossi repeated the feat, scoring yet another world title. The Doctor had to work for it, however, with his greatest competition coming from across the garage in teammate, Jorge Lorenzo.
2010 proved a difficult year for Rossi. While Lorenzo was on a powerful winning streak, Rossi suffered a broken leg during a practice crash at Mugello. The incident left The Doctor on the injured list for multiple rounds, and when he returned Lorenzo had a sizeable lead in the championship. Rossi eventually finished third in the '10 season behind Lorenzo and Stoner.
In a much anticipated move Rossi severed his long relationship with Yamaha to sign with Ducati for 2011, and there the Italian will seek his eighth MotoGP title.
Rossi’s stint with the Italian manufacturer didn’t live up to expectations. In 2011 the Doctor only made the podium once, scoring a third-place finish at Le Mans. He finished inside the top-10 through the majority of the rounds, but struggled throughout the season to find a set-up that worked for him. He managed to take seventh in the championship, tied mathematically with the late Marco Simoncelli.
The 2012 season wasn’t much better for Rossi, except that he was able to take two podiums during the season, one again at Le Mans and the other at Misano. In both cases The Doctor finished in second-place and by the end of the season he’d moved into sixth overall. Right to end of the 2012 campaign Rossi worked to find a bike configuration that would solve the power delivery and grip issues on the Desmosedici, but to no avail. Rumors swirled mid-season that he would end his contract with Ducati at the end of 2012, and by August of that year the rumors had been confirmed. Rossi signed to ride with his former team, Yamaha Factory Racing, once again alongside Jorge Lorenzo.
Valentino has been going by the motto of "one year to learn, one year to win" throughout his GP career. Rossi began racing GP in the 125 class in 1996. The following year he became the youngest ever GP champion at age 16, winning 11 rounds along the way. He was moved up to the 250 class in 1998 where he finished second with five wins. In 1999 he once again become a champion (the youngest 250 champ to date), dominating the series with nine victories. Next up: 500GP aboard the venerable Honda NSR. In 2000 young Rossi finished behind Kenny Roberts Jr. and returned in 2001 with a mission: to become a 500 GP champion. He did just that. After a year-long battle with rival, Max Biaggi, he wrapped up the championship with 11 victories and established himself as one of the greatest GP racers of all time.
After his first title in the premier class, Rossi rattled off four more with five straight wins from 2001-2005. During that five-year span, The Doctor’s position as GP champion was challenged but never bested by his lead rivals: Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau. Rossi also made an unexpected move during that timespan, switching from the long dominant Honda to Yamaha, which he promptly developed into a title-winning machine.
The most dominating rider in the modern era, the unthinkable happened when Rossi lost his title to Nicky Hayden in 2006. Rossi's failure came when he crashed during the season finale at Valencia, losing his points lead to Hayden. Sporting the Excalibur motif on his 2007 preseason factory Yamaha, the unspoken message from Rossi was loud and clear: The once and future king is dead set on recovering his crown. The Doctor fell short in 2007, however, losing his supremacy to Ducati's Casey Stoner and finishing the season third in the championship.
In 2008 Rossi took Fiat Yamaha and switched to Bridgestone rubber, the same slicks as Stoner. The result was a return to form and a dominating season from Rossi, with another MotoGP crown. The following year Rossi repeated the feat, scoring yet another world title. The Doctor had to work for it, however, with his greatest competition coming from across the garage in teammate, Jorge Lorenzo.
2010 proved a difficult year for Rossi. While Lorenzo was on a powerful winning streak, Rossi suffered a broken leg during a practice crash at Mugello. The incident left The Doctor on the injured list for multiple rounds, and when he returned Lorenzo had a sizeable lead in the championship. Rossi eventually finished third in the '10 season behind Lorenzo and Stoner.
In a much anticipated move Rossi severed his long relationship with Yamaha to sign with Ducati for 2011, and there the Italian will seek his eighth MotoGP title.
Rossi’s stint with the Italian manufacturer didn’t live up to expectations. In 2011 the Doctor only made the podium once, scoring a third-place finish at Le Mans. He finished inside the top-10 through the majority of the rounds, but struggled throughout the season to find a set-up that worked for him. He managed to take seventh in the championship, tied mathematically with the late Marco Simoncelli.
The 2012 season wasn’t much better for Rossi, except that he was able to take two podiums during the season, one again at Le Mans and the other at Misano. In both cases The Doctor finished in second-place and by the end of the season he’d moved into sixth overall. Right to end of the 2012 campaign Rossi worked to find a bike configuration that would solve the power delivery and grip issues on the Desmosedici, but to no avail. Rumors swirled mid-season that he would end his contract with Ducati at the end of 2012, and by August of that year the rumors had been confirmed. Rossi signed to ride with his former team, Yamaha Factory Racing, once again alongside Jorge Lorenzo.
The early years of Rossi
Valentino Rossi was born in Urbino, and he was still a child when the family moved to Tavullia. Son of Graziano Rossi, a former motorcycle racer, he first began riding at a very young age.
Rossi's first racing love was karting. Fuelled by his mother, Stefania's, concern for her son's safety, Graziano purchased a kart as substitute for the bike. However, the Rossi family trait of perpetually wanting to go faster prompted a redesign; Graziano replaced the 60cc motor with a 100cc national kart motor for his then 5-year-old son.
Rossi won the regional kart championship in 1990. After this he took up minimoto and before the end of 1991 had won numerous regional races.
Rossi continued to race karts and finished fifth at the national kart championships in Parma. Both Valentino and Graziano had started looking at moving into the Italian 100cc series, as well as the corresponding European series, which most likely would have pushed him into the direction of Formula One. However, the high cost of racing karts led to the decision to race minimoto exclusively. Through 1992 and 1993, Valentino continued to learn the ins and outs of minimoto racing.
In 1993, with help from his father, Virginio Ferrari, Claudio Castiglioni and Claudio Lusuardi (who ran the official Cagiva Sport Production team), he rode a Cagiva Mito 125cc motorcycle, which he damaged in a first-corner crash no more than a hundred metres from the pit lane. He finished ninth that race weekend.
Although his first season in the Italian Sport Production Championship was varied, he achieved a pole position in the season's final race at Misano, where he would ultimately finish on the podium. By the second year, Rossi had been provided with a factory Mito by Lusuardi and won the Italian title.
Sunday 13 October 2013
The memory of Valentino Rossi for Marco Simoncelli - 6 Hours ago in Sepang.
Sepang: Red, 4th arrival at the finish line reminds Simoncelli
On the track in October of 2011 saw the death of Sic, Smith recalls the pilot friend doing a lap of honor after the race with the flag with the number 58.
Sepang: Red, 4th arrival at the finish line reminds Simoncelli.
It was certainly a good day for Valentino Rossi, 4th arrival, which in the Grand Prix at Sepang was always watching from the first to the twentieth lap his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo and the two Honda riders compete for the podium. And to say that in practice, and especially in qualifying, the Doctor had done well for a few minutes savoring even the pole position, then faded due dell'indiavolato Marquez. Then, in the race, the almost absolute anonymity for a distant fourth place in the first three, the son of a difficult morning began with a fall during the warm-up to a few hours from the start.
The tribute to Sic - Yet, as often happens to the sample of Tavullia, anonymous one day turns into a moment at a time, however, to remember. Why the finish line, while Pedrosa celebrated an encore in Malaysia after last year's win, Marquez put his head in front of Lorenzo, stretching a little 'over defending champion Yamaha's Valentino cut out their own space on the circuit by waving the Malaysian flag he remembered his friend Simoncelli, who died October 23, 2011 on this track. On 18 October last year, during the race weekend of the Malaysian Grand Prix, riders and the MotoGP paddock had affixed a commemorative plaque at Turn 11 of the Sepang circuit where Simoncelli lost his life.This year we thought Rossi, the usual great champion off the track.
‘Half and half’ race for Rossi in Malaysia
Rossi referred to the positives and negatives, meaning that he was pleased to have close the gap somewhat on his teammate Jorge Lorenzo, who he trailed across the line by 3.7s, but disappointed to see the advantage his Repsol Honda rivals had over him.
Valentino Rossi dropped initially to fourth off the line from his second place grid position, tucked in behind Marc Marquez on the first lap.
The nine-time World Champion made a move on Marquez at turn 10 but was unable to pass and settled back into fourth. Rossi spent several laps holding off the advances of Alvaro Bautista, narrowly escaping an incident when the Spanish rider overshot turn one, just missing Rossi as he ran wide.
The rest of the race proved to be a lonely one as he held his position in fourth, crossing the line just over ten seconds behind winner Pedrosa. It is his seventh fourth place finish of 2013 and he has now finished in the top four at the last ten races.
"Today was half and half for me," Rossi explained. "For sure we improved and made another step, improving the setting of the bike and I was able to be very close to Jorge. It looks like today our competitors had an advantage here; they were able to keep a better rhythm than us."
"Starting from second I hoped to arrive on the podium but I knew the top three guys were very strong. At the beginning of the race I lost some time as I had a problem with the front brakes. We continue to work and push and fight to be in with the top three."
Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Factory Team Director added, "The weekend didn't go as we expected. We suffered a drop off in tyre life and the riders couldn't ride as they needed to. We tried hard to make the best setting to be fast and consistent but unfortunately we still needed something more. We won’t give up until the end and fortunately there is one race in a week’s time. We would like to have our revenge so we are really looking forward to Phillip Island."
Sepang: Rossi
Sepang: Rossi, 4th upon arrival, on the finish line reminiscent of Simoncelli
On the trail in October of 2011 saw the death of Sic, Rossi recalls pilot friend doing a lap of honour at the end of the race with the flag with the number 58.
On the trail in October of 2011 saw the death of Sic, Rossi recalls pilot friend doing a lap of honour at the end of the race with the flag with the number 58.
Saturday 12 October 2013
Sky form Moto3™ team
From the start of next year, Valentino Rossi will be working alongside Sky Italia - the Italian MotoGP™ broadcaster from 2014 - in order to nurture new talents in the Moto3™ category of the World Championship.
Starting with 2014, Rossi will contribute towards a project which will focus on propelling the careers of young riders on international circuits. This comes after a deal was struck between Sky and VR46, the company owned by the nine-time World Champion.
The team, of which Sky will be the principal sponsor, will race with KTM machinery and has already forwarded an official entry application to MotoGP™ governing body the FIM and commercial rights holder Dorna Sports in order to participate in the Moto3™ class.
Romano Fenati will be a rider as he continues his quest of attempting to climb to the top of the World Championship. "We have joined forces with Sky in order to give the Italian riders the opportunity to be competitive and reach the highest levels," says Rossi.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Sky Italia had acquired television rights to the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship starting with the 2014 season, offering coverage across all Sky platforms including FTA TV, pay TV, internet, mobile and Sky Go.
Friday 11 October 2013
MOTOGP » Malaysian MotoGP
'For sure we have to improve, but this afternoon I feel good' - Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi was happy with his day's work after the Factory Yamaha MotoGP rider finished fourth on the time sheets at Sepang in Malaysia.
Rossi was quicker than team-mate and title challenger Jorge Lorenzo in fifth overall by 0.085s on the YZR-M1, but behind Cal Crutchlow in third place on the satellite Yamaha Tech 3 by 0.115s.
The Italian star made good progress with the setting of the M1 at Sepang, although he accepts the need to make further improvements in an effort to run at the front on Sunday.
“For me personally, especially this afternoon, it was a good practice because we improved the setting of the bike a lot,” said the nine-time world champion.
“We improved with the new tyre and with the old tyre I can stay with a good pace so I feel better on the bike. For sure we have to improve, but this afternoon I feel good.
“It seems our competitors are a little faster than us but I will try 100% because in the last races Jorge is always there fighting at the front,” added Rossi.
“It will be hard but we have to concentrate on the bike. We are not very far but we have a small gap to recover.”
Rossi was quicker than team-mate and title challenger Jorge Lorenzo in fifth overall by 0.085s on the YZR-M1, but behind Cal Crutchlow in third place on the satellite Yamaha Tech 3 by 0.115s.
The Italian star made good progress with the setting of the M1 at Sepang, although he accepts the need to make further improvements in an effort to run at the front on Sunday.
“For me personally, especially this afternoon, it was a good practice because we improved the setting of the bike a lot,” said the nine-time world champion.
“We improved with the new tyre and with the old tyre I can stay with a good pace so I feel better on the bike. For sure we have to improve, but this afternoon I feel good.
“It seems our competitors are a little faster than us but I will try 100% because in the last races Jorge is always there fighting at the front,” added Rossi.
“It will be hard but we have to concentrate on the bike. We are not very far but we have a small gap to recover.”
Thursday 10 October 2013
Opel Adam & Valentino Rossi Backstage Pictures
Few weeks ago we shot the new Opel Adam advertisment with Valentino Rossi.
Today on AM Magazine, weekly magazine of The Corriere dello Sport, our backstage pictures have been published.
In one of the pics you can spot Valentino, Lorenzo and myself having a look to my supercharged and beautifully covered Macbook Pro 
The new campaign will be on air soon !
The Doctor's Hobbies.
Pershing 56 yacht
Valentino Rossi recently purchased a Pershing 56 luxury yacht. The MotoGP superstar traded his 50 foot yacht called Titilla, also a Pershing, to buy the new Pershing 56. He has named his latest purchase Titilla II that is 18 meters in length and has six berths. Rossi’s impressive toy boasts two engines that combine to produce a mammoth 1300 hp.
His fondness for Italian football club International.
Unlike Rossi's personal life his fondness for Italian football club Internazionale is not a secret. And Rossi admits it. After winning his ninth World title in October 2009, Inter congratulated Rossi on their official website.
Ferrari 458 Italia
Valentino Rossi was gifted a fly yellow colored Ferrari 458 Italia by iconic race car maker Ferrari on April 2012 in recognition of his sporting achievements. The multiple MotoGP World Champions race car’s license plate displays “046VR”, which matches Rossi’s bike number plate along with his initials. Valentino was photographed taking his Ferrari out on a test drive on the Monza racing track in Italy. The Ferrari packs in a formidable reputation as a speed demon and can go from zero to 100 km/hour in just 3.5 seconds. The $250,000 car can reach a top speed of 325 km/hour.
BMW M3 Sedan
After securing his record ninth MotoGP title, Valentino Rossi has proved that he is the fastest man on two wheels. And BMW has acknowledged the Italian's speed by awarding him a spanking new M3 sedan. Also BMW gave him a rare opportunity to test drive the new hardcore M3 GTS about which Rossi seems to be super excited.
Rossi Pets
Rossi now has two new dogs (one male and one female), named Cesare and Cecilia.
British bulldog named Guido, which he had from 2000 until 2008.
Biography of Rossi
Born on: 16th Feb 79
Born in: Italy
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Motorsports
Perhaps, the most dominant rider of the modern era Valentino Rossi is also the most successful and highest earning motorcycle racer in the world. The nine-time MotoGP World Champion earns millions as salary bonuses and endorsement money from companies such as Fiat and energy drink Monster in addition to his race winnings.
Rossi's other sponsors like Dainese and Kera Koll pour in a few millions as well. Among the top 10 highest earning sportspersons of 2011, Rossi is also Italy’s richest athlete. The Doctor, The Criminal and many other nicknames which have made the maverick rider popular, Rossi is equally peculiar about his helmet design whose graphics are designed by Aldo Drudi.
The fastest man on two wheels is an avid lover of cars. His latest possession is a Ferrari 458 Italia in addition to a BMW M3 Sedan that was gifted to him. Rossi has recently made a new addition to his list of toys in the form of a Pershing 56 luxury yacht that he purchased for $2.2 million.
Rossi suffered a career threatening injury in 2010 when he broke his leg but despite that he still managed to rake in $35 million and gained respect from the world and his fellow athletes. He recovered from another precarious situation in 2007 when a tax evasion probe found Rossi having undisclosed earnings of $160 million from 2000 to 2004. He paid an estimated $60 million to close the case and avoid possible jail term. Rossi, a native of Italy, is extremely fond of his country and everything about it. From his inhibited fondness for Italian football club Internazionale to his passion for Ferrari and even the girls he has dated, most of whom have been stunning Italian actresses, Rossi is one legendary Italian for sure.
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