MotoGP, Rossi: "I would have liked to have Rosberg's problem"

Not even he would have expected news like this. A shock. This is how Rossi defined the news of Rosberg’s decision to retire from F1. The Doctor heard about it just before the Monza Rally start. At the Brianza event, the nine-time world champion is leading the race, exploiting a penalty inflicted on Dani Sordo during the second special. Only tomorrow will the competition really heat up.

The news of the day is Rosberg’s retirement.

“It was a shock, partly because I speak with Nico often, especially when he wins races. I think that it is a decision that must be respected because it is a strictly personal choice.”

The reason is the stress. You also had the same problem after 2015.

“Last year was very stressful, but so was the previous season. It takes passion and fun to keep going.”

In the past, you have admitted that you would have liked to retire as an undefeated rider.

“I had said that many years ago. To be honest, I wouldn’t know. A lot of time has passed and I have not had another chance to think about it. I would like to have a problem like that” (he jokes).

There is a spot open with Mercedes now.

“I’ll go to race, although I’m afraid I’m not good enough.”

What will Hamilton think of this news concerning Nico’s farewell?

“I don’t think he is happy about it. There has always been a big rivalry between them. I think he is disappointed.”

In Andorra, Lorenzo opened his new museum where one of your sets of leathers is also on display. He said that you remind him of Schumacher.

“I thank Jorge for these words. Michael won a lot of races. We made a trade for the leathers two years ago at Mugello when we still got along well together. Maybe I'll go see the museum one day.”

Locatelli is here on the track at Monza as well.

“That’s true. I saw him on the track yesterday and he was fast. It’s nice that bikers like rallies more and more.”

You are leading the competition.

“It is just the beginning but I am quite satisfied. The first two specials were demanding, but I was able to stay close to Sordo. Tomorrow the race will really get heated up and the Grand Prix of more than 30 km will decide the competition.”

Cairoli needs to catch up.

“Every year Tony gets even faster. Speaking sportingly, I am happy about his errors (he jokes), maybe he needs a bit more time to adapt to the car, but in any case, he is fast.”