Valentino Rossi makes light of Jeremy Burgess' interview

from TWOWHEELSBLOG

In a long interview that was published in Spanish newspaper Marca, Valentino Rossi’s legendary crewchief Jeremy Burgess was asked if Rossi still has a chance of winning the world title and he said, “It would be a wonderful dream, and a small miracle… “Valentino has already won seven titles in the premier class, and the chances of that re-occuring is shrinking. We must accept it …”

“When you’re young you have certain characteristics like courage and the need to take risks that slowly disappears when you become older. At a certain point you need to feel more at ease, more relaxed and in sports even that 1% makes the difference.”

In today’s pre-event press conference at the Catalunya circuit Rossi was asked about ‘Jerry’s’ comment on the age factor and the Italian made light of it.

“Mine or his?” laughed Rossi, who then became more serious. “We must be realistic, to win the world championship will be very difficult, because there are three riders who are very fast, and we have to add Crutchlow. I still believe that I can improve, but it is not easy to regain confidence after two difficult years. Working on the details we still have room for improvement, but the title is still far away.”

Catalunya was where Rossi beat Jorge Lorenzo in a stunning last turn pass in 2009, and the Italian was was also asked if he could repeat it this weekend.

If Jorge waits for me, yes!” laughed Rossi “He’s too fast!” and a smiling Lorenzo responded, “I’m sorry I cannot wait! But maybe you are faster than me this weekend…”

MotoGP’s first free practice at the Catalunya circuit starts tomorrow morning at 9:55 am (CET).