VALENTINO ROSSI: “WHY I TURNED DOWN FERRARI AND FORMULA 1”

Although not a motocross racer, Valentino is the highest profile motorcycle racer in the world (and also one of the world’s highest paid athletes). With Ricky Carmichael getting ready to make a switch to automobile as soon as 2007 and James Stewart already thinking about it, Rossi made news when he turned down a full-time ride on the Ferrari F1 team. Here, in his own words, is why Rossi decided to stay on bikes.

“My passion for motorcycle racing is just the same as it always was and this is why, as many of you will now know, I have decided to stay in MotoGP and not move to Formula 1. To drive a Ferrari was amazing and if I had taken on the challenge to drive, it would have been a great passion. But to do it well I had to give 100%, and while I still have a challenge in bikes I can’t do that. For some time it was great fun, but to do it seriously while still riding the bike is impossible.

“One of the big differences is the role of the rider in MotoGP. To go fast you have to absolutely be a part of the bike. In order to brake well you have to move your weight with the bike; in front, behind, left, right. Instead in the car, you can’t move and everything is done with your hands. This is a big difference. I think this is why a bike rider finds it easier to quickly be fast with the car, rather than the other way around. One of the things I like about motorcycles is that, from the start of the race to the finish, it’s just you and the bike. In Formula One there are many other variables and many other people to consider and to make decisions. They know how the car is going during the race and make some decisions for you and tell you what to do.”