The Yamaha driver Valentino Rossi has responded to the criticism by saying that he has not forgotten the art of riding a motorcycle. The seven time world champion managed to go winless for the first time last season since entering the sport more than 17 years ago. He has returned to his former stomping ground Yamaha after a very bad spell with Ducati. His move to Ducati was one of the most anticipated due to the fact that they were also an Italian team, but the marriage did not go well. He has now returned to Yamaha in the hope of winning his eighth world championship title.
He has removed any doubts that he would not be competing at the top by posting extremely competitive times in the pre-season testing. Rossi has said that he has certainly not forgotten how to ride a motorcycle, but the last two years have been extremely difficult due to several changes with regard to the tires and electronics. Rossi has said that the Yamaha bike is much more comfortable for him, as it responds to the changes he makes and it also suits his driving style. He has said that he never felt the same conference when he was at Ducati.
“I was quite sure that after two bad seasons I had not forgotten how to ride. But in the last two seasons the way to ride the bike has changed very much, especially the electronics and the tyres. The riding style of the top guys – Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo – is very different compared to 2008 and 2009. So I have to change a lot and I didn’t know if I am able to. Now, after the first test, I feel a lot more confident because with the M1 if I try to modify something, it works – with my riding style,” said Rossi.
Tags: Rossi