While most MotoGP fans seem to be already writing off Valentino Rossi next season, following his Ducati debut at Valencia, despite the positive words from crew chief Jeremy Burgess who says there’s no need to panic and “anybody who bets against us will want to have plenty of money in their pocket.
” Rossi’s former arch rival, Sete Gibernau, who rode a Ducati in 2006 and part of 2009, is convinced that the Italian will get his head around the Italian beast (Rossi’s entire pit crew is in Bologna this week for meetings and for bike building lessons on the red machine) believes it will be a success story.
The Spanish rider who was a guest at the at the “Insieme” charity dinner held in Milan, was asked what he thought of Rossi’s move to Ducati and could the Italian tame the Desmosedici, “If he decided to switch, it was to get some new motivation, which is fundamental in working hard and always giving a 100%.
” said Gibernau.
“Of course there was also a lot pressure from the fans, who’ve been wanting him in Ducati for a long time.
If he manages to win the title it would be a great event.
” “I do not see why he shouldn’t be able to do it.
If Casey won … The Ducati is the one bike that needs to find the best compromise between machine and man, it’s not an easy bike.
The rider has to adapt to it’s characteristics and the techs will have to try to make the Desmosedici as close as possible to Rossi’s requests.
But Vale is really good at this, and I’m sure he’ll be able to get the max out of it.
”The Spanish rider also revealed that he wasn’t sorry about his comeback in 2009 and that he even enjoyed himself, despite that the conditions for his return didn’t pan out as he expected and his Grupo Francisco Hernando team had to pull out of the championship half way in the season due to financial difficulties, but now he’s definitely retired and staying that way.