Valentino Rossi predicts low-tech MotoGP future
Seven time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi believes the global economic situation will 'oblige' the premier-class to swap 'super technology' for cheaper machines with less performance and more fun.
Rossi was speaking during a 30-minute live webcast on Dainese.com (pictured), when he answered a selection of fans' questions.
"It's a difficult period in general for motorsport," explained the Ducati star. "The economic situation means there are not many funds.
"Of course we would like to race with our bikes as they are now: Super technology and super performance. But there are less funds around to buy them, so it's not a choice - we're kind of obliged...
"If we want more bikes on the grids and a good show we are going to have to ride bikes with less performance, which cost less and [are] maybe more fun. Let's hope for the best for MotoGP."
2012, which marks a return to 1000cc after five years of 800cc racing, will be a transitional season, with a new breed of privateer constructors - known as Claiming Rule Teams - created to boost grid numbers alongside the dwindling supply of factory-built bikes from Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.
The Superbike-powered CRTs will have fuel and engine-change concessions to help them stay within sight of the full prototypes, but most predict a tough debut season for the newcomers.
Rossi agreed, but believes the CRT concept is here to stay.
"I think the first year will be difficult [for CRT] - a lot of difference - but then they will test and improve... they will have a future in MotoGP," said Rossi.
In terms of his own 2012 prospects, after a hugely disappointing debut season at Ducati, Rossi would only give vague goals.
"I hope for the best, we've worked a lot this year to find out how to make it better," he said of the Desmosedici. "We have a lot of new ideas to try with Filippo Preziosi and all the guys at Ducati.
"So we're curious to see from the first test next year at Sepang. We'll have a different bike and we'll see if we can be more competitive. I hope so."
Rossi's first winless season in grand prix was one of three stand-out stories during 2011. The others were Casey Stoner returning Honda to the top and the tragic loss of Rossi's friend and fellow countryman Marco Simoncelli.
"I'll continue to use the helmet dedicated to Simoncelli, at least during the winter tests," said Rossi. "It looks good. I like it and I like to remember Sic. I think next season I'll use my usual helmet design, but I will have something on it to remember him. A #58."
Rossi, who said his dream is to claim a tenth world title (in all classes), described winning on his Yamaha debut at Welkom, South Africa, in 2004 as the best moment in his career.
Hard-fought victories over Stoner at Laguna Seca 2008 and Jorge Lorenzo at Barcelona 2009 also stand out in Rossi's mind, while breaking his leg at Mugello in 2010 was the worst moment.
Other snippets from the webcast included:
Film character you'd most like to play?
"Dan Aykroyd in Blues Brothers. My favourite film."Favourite helmet design?
"This year's helmet or the one with the Mugello face. A classic."Do you believe in god?
"Yeah, I think I believe in God" Are you afraid of death?
"A little. I think everybody is. Especially us riders, we do risk a lot."When will you 'produce' a Vale Jr?
"I don't know. It's not in the programme right now."Will you go to Superbike after MotoGP?
"I don't know."Will you run your own MotoGP team?
"It's not an idea I like. Maybe I could work on it for my brother. He wants to maybe become a MotoGP pilot."Twitter and Facebook...
"My only real Twitter account is @ValeYellow46. All the others, including an 'official' Facebook page, are fake."Try to win the TT like Agostini, Surtees etc?
"Just the other night I was watching the TT Closer To The Edge DVD. I recommend it, but don't think I could win at the TT. You need a lot of experience. Years to understand it. It's a fascinating race. I went there with Dainese in 2009, but I don't want to race it. It's just too dangerous."You don't talk about your rivals as much as you did in the past...
"It would be fun, but most of the time you have to be diplomatic about it now. Don't exaggerate to the media. "On riding the 990cc four-strokes, from 2002-2006:
"The old 1000cc was a lot more fun. You needed sensitively in opening the gas because there was less help. It was more fun."
