By Chris AndersonMarch 31, 2010
Valentino Ross was one of the nominees for the 2010 Laureus World Sportsmen of the Year awards, held in Abu Dhabi last month – not the first time he has made the shortlist. In fact, March was a busy month, as he also received an award from the Italian Foreign Ministry for the image he portrays of his country on an international level. And how can anyone argue? One of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, the 31-year-old has nine Grand Prix World Championships to his name – winning consistently since he first entered the Moto GP class in 2000 – and according to Sports Illustrated is one of the highest-earning athletes in the world.
He is also a man of many nicknames, the most popular of which seems to be ‘The Doctor’, allegedly awarded to him for the cold and calculating way he handles his opponents. Another of our favourites is GOAT, an acronym for ‘Greatest Of All Time’. But with so much success behind him, the question has to be asked if there is anything left for Rossi to achieve – although we wouldn’t bet on any lack of determination in turning those nine title wins into 10. The Fiat Yamaha rider has dominated pre-season testing so far, finishing top of the table in the Malaysian tests, setting a new track record at the Sepang circuit, and in the tests at Qatar’s Losail Circuit proving his rivalry with fellow rider Casey Stoner is still very much alive, as both shared the top spot on consecutive days. Rossi has kept the 2007 champion from regaining the title over the past two years, but it won’t be easy to keep him at bay for a third time, and this should make for a thrilling season.
Time Out caught up with Rossi during the Qatar testing, with the first Moto GP race of the year – a night race, no less – taking place at the track this month. How does it feel defending a title you have won nine times already, and is taking it a 10th time a reality? We made an appointment with The Doctor in our quest to find out.
How would you like us to address you – Valentino, Mr Rossi, the GOAT or The Doctor? Do you like having so many nicknames?
Ha! It seems I do have a lot, but I like them all really – it’s fun for the fans I think.
You must be excited about the 2010 season considering how well your bike has been testing… Are you confident?
I am feeling confident, but you never really know until you get into a racing environment, so we will have to wait and see. For sure I am very excited.
What is different about your M1 bike this year? Without giving too much away to your rivals, what tweaks and changes have you been concentrating on?
Yamaha has done a very good job, keeping the good things about the old bike and improving the things that needed it. They have worked a lot on the engine, improving longevity because the new rules for this year say we are allowed fewer engines for the season, but without a drop in performance. This is very important. I don’t agree with the engine rule necessarily, but we have to make the best of it.
You were in Doha for pre-season testing during March, and the race here is in April – is it good to be back?
It hasn’t been one of the best tracks for me in the past, but after this test I think we can have a good race here.
Do you think your riding skills come in handy on the roads here? The traffic can be a bit crazy…
Maybe! But the road from our hotel is quite straight [laughs].
What sticks in your mind about the Losail Circuit? Why do you think it hasn’t been the best track for you?
It’s not particularly complicated, but it sometimes hasn’t suited the nature of our bike. It’s different riding at night as well, even though with the lighting you can see as well as day. It’s fast and flowing, but very flat and often the surface is dusty, which makes it very slippery, but after the bikes have spent some time on track it generally improves.
You’re the No 1 motorcycle racer in the world – what is going through your mind just before the start of a race?
I try to stay calm and get into the ‘zone’. I don’t think about other things out there – people, problems, just me and my bike.
You’ve seen some of the other teams testing now – who do you think will be your biggest rivals this season? Is Casey Stoner still one of them?
For sure, Casey. And I expect Lorenzo [Jorge, Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team-mate] when he is fully recovered from the injury he picked up during the earlier testing. Spies, Pedrosa… there are many.
How is Lorenzo recovering? The injury was in his wrist, right?
He’s much better I think, and he was able to test in Qatar.And how is the relationship between you guys? We hear things can get pretty tense in the pits. We have a good professional relationship, there’s no problem between us, but we will always be rivals on the track.
Fitness is obviously a big part of Moto GP, having to control a heavy bike. What is your fitness regime, and how do you prepare? Are you in the gym a lot?
I try to run or go to the gym every day – it’s important for me, even though when I was younger I didn’t enjoy it so much. So do you actually get much time to relax during the off season? What do you do for fun? We hear you like to go snowboarding to relax. Yes, I went snowboarding this winter with my friends – great fun.
Last year marked the ninth time you have won the Grand Prix Championship. Is there a real determination now to make it 10?
It would be nice, but I don’t think so much about numbers, just about winning.
The Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar takes place at Losail International Circuit from April 9-11, with the main Moto GP race on April 11 at 11pm. Tickets priced US$30 (Grandstand), US$415 (Losail Club access) and US$620 (VIP Village access). Call 472 9151 or visit www.circuitlosail.com to book. The circuit is located on New Al Khor Highway, approximately 25km from Doha.
The challengers
Our ones to watch from the 10 teams and 20 riders taking part.
Jorge Lorenzo
Fiat Yamaha, No 99
Valentino Rossi’s team-mate, Lorenzo came second to the world champion in 2009, and his 2008 Moto GP debut earned him the Rookie of the Year title. He just gets better, and will be a serious contender this year.
Casey Stoner
Ducati Marlboro, No 27
Has won for the past three years at Qatar, and even won the title in 2007 before Rossi clinched it back. He led for part of the season in 2009, but dropping out of a few races due to health problems meant he finished fourth overall. He’ll be looking to regain his form.
Nicky Hayden
Ducati Marlboro, No 69
Hayden’s form has been on the slide since he took the title in 2006. Bike problems plagued his season in 2007, with injuries in 2008 and crashes in 2009. He has consistently finished in the top three in each of this season’s test sessions, however, so he could be back on top.
Ben Spies
Monster Yamaha Tech 3, No 11
Of the six rookies making their debut in Moto GP this season, Ben Spies has been the fastest in all test sessions so far. He’s already tipped to be the Rookie of the Year, so expect him to do well when he comes up against the more experienced riders.
So what is Moto GP?
The Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix has taken place since 1949, with the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) the current governing body. It is divided into three classes, based on engine size – 125cc, Moto2 and Moto GP. The bikes involved in these races are like F1 cars in that they are purpose-built racing machines not available for purchase to the general public or suitable for riding on normal roads. There is a huge emphasis on aerodynamics, suspension and tyres, and like the F1 season points are earned to decide two annual World Championships – one for the riders and one for the manufacturers. Unlike F1, races are shorter, with no pitstops for fuel or tyre changes. Rules are tweaked annually by the FIM – with the most recent changes intended to cut costs as a
result of the economic downturn.
More info at www.motogp.com.
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