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Valentino Rossi watched the Jerez Grand Prix as a spectator, it was an opportunity to pay a visit to old friends in the MotoGP paddock and also to support his team for which Marini and Bezzecchi race. In Spain he also formalized his new brand ambassador role for Yamaha and the possibility of seeing his team racing with the M1 in MotoGP has been discussed for years.
The Doctor answered this question in an interview with Motorsport: "We have a contract until the end of next year, so in 2024 we will race with Ducati. I would like VR46 to race with Yamaha, because I am a Yamaha rider, so it would make sense. The problem is that Yamaha has to find a way to improve the M1 - he underlined - We want to go to the races thinking that we can consider winning or fighting for the podium and, at the moment, Yamaha's technical situation is complicated. They have the potential to improve, and there is still a little time before we decide. But Ducati, since the arrival of Dall'Igna, has really stepped up and raised the technical level. The others have become chasers."
In the blue-coloured box, however, there is one of his riders, Franco Morbidelli, who is struggling quite a bit to return to the results he had accustomed us to.
"The next four or five races are a very important period for Franco, because it will be up to him to try to prove that he can be in the factory Yamaha team – said Valentino – The Yamaha is a bike that has problems, but he must try to go at least as fast as Quartararo.”
Rossi also spoke of the decline in popularity that MotoGP is suffering following his retirement.
"Something a bit special happened with me, because there were a lot of people who didn't follow motorcycles and then became fans. People both from Italy and the rest of the world – he recalled - Now, let's say that the popularity levels of the world championship have returned to normal, to the stage before I came along. They are looking for formulas, like sprint races, to attract more people, but in sporting terms I think the championship is working. It's exciting to watch MotoGP races, from the stands or on TV."
The world of four wheels can be an inspiration.
"Formula 1 has followed a very American line; something similar to the NBA, very focused on the show. In recent years the popularity it has reached is scary, it is a product of the highest level that everyone wants to consume. I think MotoGP can do it too. How? I don't know anymore. But the potential is there,” declared Valentino.
