MotoGP, Rossi: "I know how to improve, I want to fight for the podium again"
"Last year, worse results than I expected, but we can find the right direction. An important challenge for me is going up against Quartararo, Vinales, and Morbidelli."
by GPoneShare
In recent weeks, the riders have come out of hibernation and have started training on their bikes again. Dirt track, motocross, and even some runs on the track in circuits that have reopened. A return to normal life that they've been waiting for for some time, even if the lockdown has had some positive aspects. "Sleeping is one of my passions, so I took advantage of it," Valentino Rossis said jokingly in an interview with motogp.com.
Even for the Doctor, the time has come to get back on his bike.
“I haven't touched a bike in two months. I've been able to train the past couple of weeks at the Ranch and also on cross-country tracks. Getting back on the bike was a special feeling," he said.
Everyone's starting to think about the start of the championship again, and Valentino took stock of his situation.
"In the second half of last year, the results were not what I would have expected," he admitted. "You have to be faster. It seems like I lost some competitiveness and confidence with the bike, but with a new head mechanic and some changes in the garage, we can find the way to get back to the top. That's the objective."
Yamaha is also doing its part.
“The winter tests weren't that bad, I was quite happy," Rossi emphasized. "It seems that, since the end of last season, something has changed in Yamaha from a technical point-of-view. The new M1 is faster, it has more power. They work hard in Yamaha and can make bikes that win "
He has to give it his all because the rookies are chomping at the bit.
“Yamaha has three young and very strong riders," Valentino continued. Quartararo had an impressive season at his debut, but Vinales is also in great shape, and Morbidelli is very fast. It's always a challenge for a rider like me to go up against them with the same bike."
If everything goes according to plan, the Doctor will get the chance to do it again in less than two months, because the first GP of the year is scheduled for July 19th in Jerez
.
"This season will be special," he explained. "First of all because we'll have more or less half of the races, but the biggest difference for me will be racing twice in a row on the same track. Also, there won't be any fans. It'll be like competing in a closed circuit. It won't be the same thing. It won't be great, but racing is important for everyone, actually, essential. My objective will be to be more competitive and fight for the podium."