Burgess: "I wouldn't replace Rossi"
Sunday, 06 June 2010 14:39
Jeremy Burgess, renowned crew chief, is famous for his relaxed and open demeanor.
It is still too soon to know any details about the near future, but Burgess understands the desire of the racing public to have some news and isn't afraid to share his opinion.
"It seems like he had a fairly good night and he telephoned Uccio this morning. He was in good spirits and he was joking about having the bikes ready. I'll call him this afternoon and I'm sure he will watch the race. Everyone said last night that he was in good spirits, so we will just have to wait for him to return."
Do you understand what happened exactly?
"Well he fell off, and every time you fall off a motorcycle there is some risk of injury. In this case he sustained an injury to the leg."
Maybe the tires were too cold?"Maybe there was a little bit lower temperature, but it can happen. You could fall off and get back on and nobody would be talking about this. But because it is Valentino and because he will miss some races, it is a much bigger deal."
When will a replacement rider arrive for Valentino, at Barcellona?
"I have no idea. That is something involving the contracts. We had Mick Doohan in this situation some years ago and we never replaced the rider. You can't replace Valentino, you can put another rider on the bike but that is not replacing him.
The regulation says you have to replace him within two races..."Yes, but I know the regulation said that in 1999 and also in 1992, but at Honda we did not replace Mick Doohan. So just because the regulations say...it is negotiable I would imagine. It is something above my level and needs to be discussed between Dorna, the sponsors and Yamaha. Not me. I'm here only as a worker."
It could be a good opportunity for Ben Spies to work with you..
"Yes, but under the current regulation this is impossible... cause a rookie must remain on a private team for the first year, so the chance for Ben to come to us is not correct, and it is not right because it would put too much pressure on him. This is a learning year for him, and he it is far better for him to stay where he is, on a good team. learning the circuits this year, and in the future maybe."
