English
Italiano
Davide Brivio has the eye when it comes to riders, he was after all one of the key players in Valentino's move to Yamaha and, two years ago, he was asked to lead Suzuki's return to MotoGP, focused around Vinales. A winning move, because Maverick has proved to be a real talent, riding the GSX-RR to victory at Silverstone.
The story is coming to an end though, and after Valencia the Spaniard will get on the Yamaha and their paths will divide.
“I'm sorry to lose him of course, this was a project we began together", explains the manager.
There was no way to keep him?
“We started long ago, mid-way through last season actually but there was no way. We were also a little unlucky, because the market opened very early this year. All the riders were having to base their choices on 2015 results. If it had all started now, considerations may have been different, but we did all we could ”.
Who informed you that Vinales would be leaving?
“Maverick himself, and before that the paddock rumour mill. We were a little disappointed because I thought we could have a good future together but he made his decision and I respect that".
Iannone is arriving, was that the best counter move?
“I think Maverick could have gone far with Suzuki, and this is also the case for Andrea. He's raced in MotoGP for four years, he's won a race, after perhaps he can now do even better. our project is in good hands”.
At Valencia he'll ride the Suzuki, are you worried about him riding at Sepang with a not yet healed fracture to his vertebra?
“No, injuries of this kind take a long time to heal, three months they tell me, and at this stage of the season all the races are so close together”.
Have you clarified your winter testing schedule yet?
“Tests at Valencia and Jerez are confirmed, but he has to tell us whether he wants to add more. He's a professional, he knows what he needs to do”.
Back to Vinales and another rider you know well, Rossi. What will their relationship be like?
“When I took Maverick they told me he had a difficult character but it's not true. He's just really ambitious - he wants to win and thinks only about this. Will he get on with Valentino? I think so, as far as is possible between two team-mates who are fighting for the same results. Both want the same thing, there'll be a strong rivalry, but they know and respect each other".
They'll have to share a garage for at least two years. It seems Rossi never wants to stop, is a 10th title becoming an obsession?
“I've never spoken to Valentino directly about that but I don't think so. He just wants to continue enjoying himself and it is this that keeps his motivation strong. He wants to win, just as any rider wants to”.
Does he still surprise you?
“I'm surprised by the fact that it's like looking at a rider who is racing for his first win, or first title. It must be tough, physically and mentally, but Rossi is used to this and I think he'd miss it if he wasn't doing it”.
