MotoGP Valencia, Valentino Rossi: “I’d pay the riders for a 200th podium”

It won’t be a normal race weekend for Valentino Rossi who, after Thursday’s emotional press conference, has struggled in today’s practices. And yet the Doctor remains positive at the end of day one, believing that the potential is there if the track improves. The nine-time champion touches on many subjects, praising his Academy riders and paying tribute to Giampiero Galeazzi, who has died at 75.

“It’s impossible I think, but if the riders wanted to give me a podium, I’d be very happy, because the 200th podium is very important, I’d even pay them something. But I don’t think it will happen”. This is Valentino Rossi’s response to rumours circulating in the paddock with regard to a possible ‘gift’ from the other riders, with them letting him by to reach the podium in his last races. A scenario that the Doctor plays down, but doesn't rule out entirely.

Today’s practices haven’t been easy for Rossi, who currently lies in last place: "The conditions weren’t easy this morning. Things were a little better this afternoon, the track was drier, but I didn’t get on well in either condition. I’ve always struggled at Valencia. I hope the track continues to improve, I’m not fast but I think with a dry track, our potential can be a little better. We’re all very closer, with less of a gap I was sixteenth at Portimao, this is MotoGP now, the riders are ready for every track and the bikes are all very similar.”

Asked how he thinks he might go in today’s MotoGP if he were Quartararo’s age, Rossi replies: "The period in which I was strongest was probably between 2001 and 2005, so I think if I was 20 and riding these bikes, I’d be battling for the win”.

Rossi is now looking to pass the baton: "My ideal successor? The Academy guys"

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It’s often been said that finding a worthy successor to the nine-time champion will be a real challenge, although the Italian believes that his natural heirs are the Academy riders: "My ideal successor would be all the Academy guys, from Migno to those currently in MotoGP, like Pecco for example, who’s been so strong this year”. Rossi then moves on to Vietti, very strong in Moto2 in recent times: "Vietti is a very fast rider with real talent. He struggled more than I thought in moving up to Moto2, but now he’s going really well, like he’s learned how to ride the Moto2. He’s always top five and I think he can fight to win next year. He’s very talented even if he has a bit of a difficult character at times”.

Lastly, a tribute to Giampiero Galeazzi: "Galeazzi became a legend, commenting on the Abbagnale brothers’ success in canoeing. He made me laugh, I remember his Savino impressions on Radio Deejay. I’m really sorry to hear he has passed".

Translated by Heather Watson

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