Rossi's comments after the weekend: (sorry out of google translate from german article)
first:
Valentino Rossi: "We have a real problem"
© Ducati - Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca this year had no luck
After a strong race at Mugello Ducati star Valentino Rossi came with high hopes at the site where he wrote in 2008 MotoGP history. But the trip to Laguna Seca should not pay off.
In qualifying, the Italians used to doing hard, but also in the race he could not follow Nicky Hayden still the Tech-3 pilots. Shortly before the end of the race crashed the "doctor" even - lying on position eight.
"I did not fight for the podium, but a crash at the end of the race is still disappointing, because I drove the whole race, like it was my first round. I had no quick rhythm at the time. When I came to the Corkscrew, I still lost the front, as the bike was upright and I touched the brake. It was like at Silverstone, "says Rossi.
"We have a real problem, which has shown once again today," he notes. "We have trouble getting the front tires to work. It was after the 30 rounds as new. Fortunately, I am fine, although there was a violent crash. The weekend was not particularly great. Now we have a short break, two important weeks and then we'll see how it will run at Indy. "
Second - and more interesting:
Valentino Rossi: "There are three options"
© Ducati - Valentino Rossi wants to decide in the coming week
Valentino Rossi is the crucial piece of the puzzle to the driver market for 2013. The two-year contract with the Italian Ducati ends after this season. So far, the "dream marriage" between the nine-time World Champion and Ducati a disaster. Audi is a new Ducati owners but very keen to keep the MotoGP superstar. This is to the Ingolstadt will be worth 17 million euros.
"That's not right. The offer, which you made to me, is below this value, which is true because the world situation is tense, "explains Rossi. "Besides, I had two bad years without good results. Therefore, it is normal that I earn less money "option two -. A return to the Yamaha factory team - would be for the Italians, from a financial point of view definitely less attractive. The paddock is three to five million euros of the question. For Rossi would be from the start of next season competitive again, even if he would most likely give up his crew.
Vs. money. Competitiveness
"On the one hand, I can fairly quickly be able to compete. On the other hand, I would need more time. Certainly the challenge is greater, with the Ducati to be successful. No one has so far managed to win with three different brands. That would be something special, "noted the success spoiled Italians, who is also aware of the danger:" It is certainly a big risk to stay with Ducati. "
"I have to decide soon and can not wait too long, because otherwise Dovizioso is very bad," joked the "Doc" and his compatriot missed it a swipe. Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio has traveled to Laguna Seca to negotiate with Rossi. It is penetrated, the Ducati boss is interested in a quick agreement, otherwise succumb the generous offer that we have made to the as yet unsuccessful Ducati pilot.
Great influence on Rossi's decision has certainly Audi. The takeover by Volkswagen subsidiary holds for Ducati both an opportunity and a risk not to be underestimated. The German carmaker itself looks back on a successful motor sports history, a persistent lack of success in MotoGP, but will certainly not look forever.
"But it's still very early to assess the impact of the influence of Audi. So I have to make a decision without knowing the exact situation, "said Rossi, who in addition to Ducati and Yamaha has yet another option for 2013. "I also have a third option. This is not a factory team, "he describes. "I have taken this option into consideration, but would remain in a factory team."
Rossi for the first time the number two?
Yamaha is without doubt the biggest enemy for Ducati. Even the inconsistencies between Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo are apparently no longer an issue between 2008 and 2010, both MotoGP exceptional talents were already teammates. "I had problems in the past with Jorge," admitted Rossi, the cause looked for it but the Japanese manufacturer, "I was mad at Yamaha because they follow me all the things I had done for them, to a very strong team-mates The side have made. That made me angry. "
"But I was more mad at Yamaha as Jorge on. Now the situation has changed. I think that Yamaha has made the right decision. It is no longer a problem, "said Rossi. Would be a problem but definitely the number-two status, should take the case of a return to Yamaha Rossi: "This is an important point to be kept in mind because I was the number one Ducati. When would be the Yamaha Lorenzo. I pull in my decision to definitely consider. "
Ducati has started regardless of Rossi's decision to act to set the course for 2013, committed by Nicky Hayden for the coming year. In addition, time and again spoken of Cal Crutchlow, who is said to have also received a contract offer. "I've been told that meets Cal's style of Ducati," commented Rossi.
Next week, the two pilots Moto2 Andrea Iannone and Scott Redding also allowed to make their talent. "I work very closely with the Ducati people about the future. You have asked me for advice for young drivers, "says Rossi. "We talked about Iannone and Redding, Cal is on the British hope. I think he has much potential."
