Giacomo Agostini, Loris Capirossi and Tony Cairoli have all offered their opinion on Valentino Rossi’s chances this upcoming season, and now we have Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta who is also betting that the former World Champion will return to his winning ways.
Actually Ezpeleta was already sure of it way back in June of last year even before Rossi was confirmed with Yamaha: “Valentino next year will be on competitive bike, but I can’t tell you which.
It’s too early to talk about it, but in 2013 we’ll see Rossi fighting again for wins.
”In an interview published in today’s BBC Sport,com column, Ezpeleta reiterated the same thought: “I’m completely sure he can challenge, with all the talent he has and all the experience he has.
When he took the decision to go back to Yamaha it was because he wants to come back to the front.
He was winning with Yamaha before and he can be at the front again.
” Despite two winless seasons in Ducati, Rossi is still a very important ambassador for MotoGP racing and the Dorna manager needs the popular rider to be on the podium and admitted it, “Of course it is good for the sport if he can do it.
Valentino is a big name, he is a hero to many and one of the greatest riders in MotoGP history.
If he is coming to the podium and winning races it will be very important for the championship.
Ezpeleta also knows how important it is to have a British rider with the talent and personality of Cal Crutchlow on the grid and said, “Cal has been one of the biggest talents we have seen in the last few years.
We have been surprised by his performances in many races.
He has not had good luck but in principle he is one of the most important assets of the championship.
”