‘Valentino’s not in it for the money…’
He has nothing left to prove but that won’t stop the GOAT racing
‘IT IS JUST WHAT VALENTINO DOES, RACING IS HIS LIFE’
It’s great Valentino is racing on, although it seems a bit odd that the greatest of all time is going to be in a satellite team! I think his decision shows his belief that he can still do it and also that he’ll essentially still be on a full factory bike, albeit painted in different colours. Valentino has a bit of sway with Yamaha and if he’s knocking on the factory garage door asking for parts they are not going to say no. I think they’d be mental not to give him what he needs. He’ll be taking his crew with him, too. Motivation is a funny thing. Personally I don’t think Valentino needs motivation – it is just what he does, racing is his life. He’s ridden at the top for decades. Now win, lose or draw, wherever he finishes he doesn’t take anything personally. He’ll always have a wave at the crowd, he never looks downbeat.
I just think he likes riding bikes. There is no chance of him damaging his legacy – what’s he going to do? You’re going to get a few dickheads muttering under their breath that he’s lost it, but ultimately he has massive respect from everyone in the paddock, plus he’s still capable of getting on the rostrum. And teams would be foolish to bet against him and mad not to be involved with him. Whatever race you go to, over 50% of the spectators are Rossi fans. I messaged him the other day and he got back straight away. He’s just a happy chap and he does it for the right reasons – he does it for fun. Riders like Stoner ultimately got fed up with it, and there are other riders out there where you have to ask ‘what are they doing it for? Is it just the money?’ He’s been there, done that and achieved amazing things, he’s got nothing to prove.