Q:
Are you looking forward to the night race in Qatar? As a member of the safety commission, are you happy with how they’ve prepared the circuit for this event?
Valentino Rossi:
I’m honestly quite excited about this event, I think it’s a fun way to start the season; fun for the fans and something different for the riders! Last year we, the safety commission, made a test on a small part of the track with road bikes and gave our feedback to the circuit about the changes they needed to make before a race could go ahead. Our main worry was the shadow – it needs to be very, very bright in order for the shadows not to be a problem. I wasn’t able to go to the test there in November because of my hand but it seems that the circuit have made a very good job. It will be strange for sure but I think it will be very funny.
Q:
What is your aim for this season?
Valentino Rossi:
My aim is to win, just like every other year. I haven’t won now for two year, the longest period of my grand prix career, and I am aiming to win this year.
Q:
Do you expect Stoner to be your chief rival again? Which other riders are you expecting to be strong?
Valentino Rossi:
Without a doubt I expect Stoner to be as strong, or stronger than last year, and I know we will have to make a great, great fight to beat him. This year I will be on the same tyres as him and I am looking forward to having some great battles with him. Pedrosa of course will also be at the front again as well as many of the others Quite a lot of riders have changed bikes this year and I think it will be very interesting but I am expecting everyone to be competitive from the start; Melandri, Hopkins, Capirossi, Vermeulen etc. I think it will be a very exciting season.
Q:
What do you think about your new team-mate, Jorge Lorenzo?
Valentino Rossi:
He is a great 250cc rider and I am sure that he will be a very good
MotoGP rider. Already after just a few tests he has shown a great level of improvement and he is undoubtedly fast. I am sure he will be a good rival in the future.
Q:
The tyre regulations have been slightly altered this season. Do you think it’s enough or would you like to see the limitations removed entirely?
Valentino Rossi:
I’m not too concerned about the tyre regulations. We’re accustomed to the situation now and although I think it’s good that it’s changed slightly, I don’t think it will make much difference. I am starting afresh with regards to tyres and I am not thinking about the limitations, just on developing my new relationship with
Bridgestone.
Q:
Did you take part in any other racing activities during the winter, such as rally driving?
