Casey Stoner reminisces about the 2007 Ducati's performance: 'It wasn't particularly outstanding in any area'

Stoner had a remarkable 2007 MotoGP season, though it came with its challenges

Casey Stoner mentioned that the Ducati GP7, which he used to excel in the 2007 MotoGP season, "wasn't particularly outstanding in any aspect," yet it "served my purposes well."

In 2007, the Australian rider made a switch to Ducati for his sophomore season in the top tier, following a debut year characterized by speed but marred by accidents with LCR Honda in 2006.

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Ducati demonstrated strong performance during its initial four seasons in the category, yet Stoner amazed everyone by securing victories in 10 grand prix races and clinching his first of two MotoGP championships, finishing 125 points ahead of Honda's Dani Pedrosa.

The second-highest Ducati rider in the rankings was Loris Capirossi, who placed seventh and secured a single victory – notably at the Japanese Grand Prix where Stoner clinched the championship title.

During his appearance on the Ducati Diaries podcast this year, Stoner shared insights into the challenges he faced with the GP7, even though he was able to excel while riding it.

"He started by saying that aside from being decent in fourth and fifth gear, it didn't excel at much else."

"It was unable to navigate turns effectively. However, its performance was quite impressive when braking, maintaining stability throughout."

"Undoubtedly, it lacked potent braking capabilities, yet its stability during braking was unparalleled, marking the first time I had experienced such steadiness on a bike."

"Therefore, it was truly a wonderful feature to possess. In the fourth, fifth, and sixth gear, it truly excelled and stood out."

"However, in the initial three gears, we were completely outperformed. Therefore, at any circuits where acceleration and strong pushes out of the turns are crucial, we found ourselves at a significant disadvantage, facing great challenges."

"Our strategy was to downplay the flaws and enhance its strong points. The results were clear to everyone: its remarkable top speed and the stability it maintained during braking were its standout features."

"Essentially, our strategy was to secure positions at the front of the pack during races, forcing our competitors to exert more effort. This was crucial because if we failed to secure a good starting position or to lead early in the race, catching up with other racers became exceedingly difficult. Once opponents managed to gain momentum with several uninterrupted laps, leveraging the full potential of our bike was challenging."

"Essentially, our strategy was to leverage that advantage to its fullest and attempt to navigate the challenges presented by the corners, given the significant difficulty we faced in steering."

"In my view, due to its excessively low stability, it lacked sufficient tilt, which eventually led to adjustments in subsequent years. Although we lost the edge in speed, these modifications improved the motorcycle's maneuverability."

"However, during that period, it proved to be a difficult task, yet it accomplished what was necessary for me. My team performed exceptionally well, mirroring my own efforts."

He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Having the chance to compete for a factory team was such an honor. Coming from a situation where I had essentially just committed to Yamaha, and then to have them withdraw the contract not once, but twice at the very last moment, leaving me without a team for the upcoming season."

"Thankfully, we ended up partnering with Ducati. It gave me the determination to prove to Yamaha that they were wrong to let that opportunity slip."

"Therefore, my objective was to secure a few top-three finishes and perhaps achieve a single victory this year."

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Lewis Hamilton remains cautious about Mercedes' prospects in Las Vegas, stating "we'll see if the car is the same tomorrow" following his successful completion of both practice sessions.

Lewis Hamilton is keeping a wary outlook on Mercedes' prospects for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, following an unexpected back-to-back win in practice sessions.

After a disappointing performance in Brazil, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton rebounded by leading both practice sessions on Friday in Las Vegas, as Mercedes began the weekend on a positive note.

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In the initial session, Hamilton was ahead of his Mercedes colleague George Russell, and in the subsequent session, he narrowly outpaced Lando Norris from McLaren.

Throughout this season, Mercedes has frequently shown impressive performance in Friday sessions, only to see their momentum diminish over the course of the weekend. Hamilton remains cautious about this trend happening again.

"It's quite nice. I believe this is the first time I've experienced a day like this all year," remarked Hamilton.

During the first practice session, the car performed exceptionally well. However, in the second session, the performance wasn't as impressive. We'll need to make some adjustments overnight. It's challenging to pinpoint our exact standing or the reasons behind it, but I truly enjoyed navigating the track.

"We'll find out if the car remains unchanged tomorrow."

Although Hamilton posted the quickest times in both practice sessions, he cautioned that Mercedes needs to enhance their performance over longer distances.

He mentioned that while hot weather makes things slightly more challenging for them, their speed during the race remains less than ideal.

"We need to spend the night determining how to improve our race speed without sacrificing our natural lap speed."

"It was pleasant to have back-to-back sectors without the car causing any issues for me."

When questioned about whether Mercedes has a chance for pole position and victory, Hamilton said he feels confident. He entered the weekend knowing that his driving skills are not the issue.

"I need to put in a lot of effort tonight without making any major adjustments, and I hope I can get a decent amount of sleep."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-site reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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Franco Colapinto is required to undergo a medical examination to be eligible for racing following a "serious" crash involving a 50G impact. There are uncertainties surrounding Colapinto's ability to compete in the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to the "severe" accident during the qualifying session.

Williams has stated that Franco Colapinto requires additional medical assessments before being cleared to compete, following a crash with a force of 50G during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session.

A 21-year-old driver from Argentina experienced considerable damage to his FW46 vehicle following a major crash at the second-to-last corner during his last qualifying lap. This incident resulted in him being eliminated in Q2, placing him 14th on the starting grid.

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However, it's not certain that Colapinto will participate in the race, as Williams announced he must pass another medical examination prior to Sunday's grand prix.

A Williams team statement indicated that Franco experienced a major crash that exceeded 50G during qualifying, which necessitated a medical examination.

"The blow he suffered is clearly very serious, and he must be re-assessed tomorrow to determine if he is fit to compete."

"The primary concern is Franco's health, and we are relieved that he is generally alright. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available."

Due to the severity of Colapinto's accident, which resulted in significant damage to three sections of his vehicle, he might have to start from the pitlane if he is deemed healthy enough to compete.

This incident was the sixth significant accident involving Williams in the last three events held in Mexico, Brazil, and Las Vegas.

James Vowles, the team principal for Williams, has assessed that the expense from recent reconstruction efforts amounts to several million dollars.

Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events globally for Crash.net. He usually covers the on-site happenings, sharing the narratives of the key figures in the sport.

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Unveiled: The Astounding Wealth of Marc Marquez

Insights into Marc Marquez's Tremendous Fortune Revealed

Marc Marquez's financial value has been disclosed in Spain, and the figures are astonishing.

Forbes, a prominent platform focusing on business and finance, included the MotoGP sensation in its 2024 compilation of the wealthiest individuals from Spain.

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Despite not making it into the list of the top 100 wealthiest individuals in Spain, Marquez ranks among the country's richest athletes.

According to La Vanguardia, Marquez has amassed a fortune of €80 million.

Tennis icon Rafael Nadal, with a net worth of €310 million, alongside soccer players Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos, who each hold fortunes of €100 million, surpass Marquez in terms of financial wealth among athletes.

According to the report, Marquez's considerable fortune primarily stems from his sponsorships, including a significant partnership with Red Bull, among other entities.

Marquez stands out as the most prominent figure in the current MotoGP lineup.

Nevertheless, a year prior, he opted for a self-imposed financial loss by departing from Honda a year before his contract ended, which was the most lucrative deal for a rider in the sport.

Choosing to pass up on an estimated €15 million to €20 million for his last year with Honda, this decision has not affected his total net worth.

Switching to Gresini Ducati significantly contributed to Marquez's success in racing, following a challenging period with Honda.

Securing victories with Gresini this season paved the way for Marquez to be elevated to Ducati's official factory team in 2025.

Teaming up with the premier squad and operating top-tier equipment could pave the way for Marquez to clinch another championship title, potentially boosting his financial value significantly.

Specifics regarding Marquez's compensation for 2025 as a factory rider are yet to be disclosed, but he does not top the list of the highest earners among riders for the 2024 season.

The distinction belongs to Fabio Quartararo, who earlier this season secured a new Yamaha contract worth €12 million annually.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, providing coverage on a wide range of sports including American games, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Lewis Hamilton expressed that he "should have secured pole position" following a promising qualifying session that ultimately ended in disappointment in Las Vegas.

Lewis Hamilton feels that he deserved to secure the pole position for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite finishing in 10th place during the qualifying session.

In a surprising turn of events in Las Vegas, George Russell claimed pole position for the first time since the British Grand Prix four months prior, marking a significant comeback for him and the Mercedes team.

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In the first qualifying session, Russell led the field, outperforming Hamilton. However, in the second qualifying segment, the seven-time world champion, Hamilton, seized the lead, indicating a strong qualifying performance.

Errors during both of Hamilton's Q3 laps dashed his hopes of securing a spot alongside Russell on the front row, leaving him with a frustrating 10th-place finish.

Hamilton expressed that his attempt was unsuccessful at a crucial moment, stating, "I made an effort, but it didn't go as planned."

"I was expected to secure the pole position, but on the bright side, I demonstrated good speed throughout the weekend. That's the encouraging aspect to focus on."

When questioned about whether this boosts his confidence for the grand prix, a downcast Hamilton responded: "Not particularly. I believe the race is pretty much over, and clearly, winning is not an option. George did an excellent job."

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton mentioned that he is starting from a significantly lower position and plans to see how much he can accomplish from that point.

"The main factor will be wear and tear, as last year's race at this location was quite eventful."

"I ought to have secured the pole position, but I didn't. That's the situation, and you just have to move forward and try again next time."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff mentioned to Sky Sports F1 that the driver posted the fastest time in Q2, and the performance of the car was strong, prompting a need to investigate the factors involved.

Lewis frequently travels to various international Grands Prix on behalf of Crash.net. While covering the events on location, he shares the narratives of key figures in the racing community.

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Red Bull acknowledges mistake involving rear wing at Las Vegas GP

Red Bull's error occurred on Friday during the Las Vegas event

Red Bull has acknowledged that they brought an incorrect rear wing to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, following an underwhelming performance on Friday.

After the initial day of practice, Max Verstappen secured the 17th position, while Sergio Perez ended up in 19th place.

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Although Red Bull typically intensifies their efforts as race weekends move forward, they admitted to an error involving a new component for the RB20.

According to Motorsport, Helmut Marko from Red Bull stated that unlike their rivals, they do not possess an additional, more compact rear wing.

"That would definitely be more beneficial."

Marko stated that it was impossible to have a new, more suitable rear wing flown in overnight in time for Saturday’s qualifying session.

He mentioned that in the short term, they did not use a soft tire, and the performance over the long distance was only somewhat satisfactory.

"At times, certain laps were strong, but the rear tires would eventually lose grip."

"There were moments of quickness. We need to work on making it more steady."

"We need to achieve better equilibrium. We can enhance our performance on individual laps. However, during extended runs, the current issue is the wear on the tires."

Nevertheless, Marko issued a cautionary note to Mercedes and McLaren, who led the timesheet on Friday.

He mentioned that although individuals might be at their quickest on Thursday or Friday, it doesn't necessarily indicate they will perform swiftly during the competition.

"We will definitely take a sensible action."

On Friday, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes recorded the quickest time, surpassing McLaren's Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen from Red Bull has the chance to secure the Formula 1 title in Las Vegas.

James spent ten years as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Red Bull acknowledges mistake with rear wing at Las Vegas GP

Red Bull made an error on Friday during the Las Vegas event.

Red Bull has confessed to making an error by bringing an incorrect rear wing to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, following a lackluster performance on Friday.

After the initial day of practice, Max Verstappen secured the 17th position, while Sergio Perez ended up in 19th place.

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Red Bull, which often intensifies its efforts throughout race weekends, admitted to an error with a new component on the RB20.

According to Motorsport, Helmut Marko from Red Bull mentioned that they lack an additional, smaller rear wing like those used by their rivals.

"That would definitely be more beneficial."

Marko stated that it was impossible to have a new and more appropriate rear wing delivered in time for Saturday's qualifying session.

He mentioned that in the short term, they didn't use a soft tire, and the performance over a longer distance was only somewhat satisfactory.

"At times, a few laps showed strong competition, but the rear tires began to lose grip."

"There were moments of quickness. We simply need to make it more consistent."

"We require better equilibrium. While we can enhance our performance on individual laps, we are currently facing issues with tyre degradation over extended distances."

Despite this, Marko issued a cautionary note to Mercedes and McLaren, who led the times on Friday.

"Individuals may show their quickest pace on Thursday or Friday, but that doesn't necessarily translate to speed during the actual race," he remarked.

"We will definitely take a sensible action."

On Friday, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton clocked the quickest time, surpassing McLaren's Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, has the opportunity to secure the F1 title in Las Vegas.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Aleix Espargaro: "My hope is to be recalled as…"

Experienced MotoGP competitor announces retirement

Aleix Espargaro has expressed his desire for his MotoGP legacy to be defined by the principle “that dedication outweighs natural ability,” after announcing his retirement.

At the end of last week's 2024 season finale in Barcelona, the 35-year-old announced his retirement from MotoGP, marking an end to a career that began in the world championship back in 2004.

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Espargaro embarked on his first MotoGP race in 2010 with Pramac, and from the 2012 season onwards, he consistently participated, joining teams such as Aspar, Forward Racing, Suzuki, and eventually Aprilia throughout his career.

Espargaro achieved his greatest success with Aprilia, clinching his first-ever grand prix win in Argentina in 2022, followed by two additional victories in 2023.

In a conversation with Crash.net following his commendable fifth-place finish in his most recent race, when inquired about how he wishes to be recalled, Espargaro responded, "A common phrase that many individuals resonate with is that perseverance outshines natural ability.

"I genuinely hold the belief that it's accurate. Throughout my professional journey, I've always sensed that my abilities were somewhat inferior compared to those of my peers."

"Through diligent work, investing every possible effort, leveraging the full potential of my team and everyone involved, surrounding myself with a strong team, being intelligent in my approach, and undoubtedly working tirelessly, it's possible to achieve your goals."

"I aspire to be recalled as someone who always persevered."

Espargaro might still participate in a 2025 race as a one-off entry tied to his role as a test rider for Honda, although he mentioned following the Solidarity GP that he hadn't considered it yet.

Espargaro expressed his feelings following his final race, stating, "I felt a significant drop in stress – the moment the race concluded, I experienced a great sense of relief."

"Clearly, I'll deeply miss Aprilia and my RS-GP. However, I no longer had the desire to continue racing."

"I'm incredibly relieved and filled with joy. I feel a great sense of pride looking back at how far this young one has come since my arrival, what I've accomplished, and the family I've built."

"I believe we've entered a fresh phase in existence. There's a limit to everything."

"I believe recognizing the right moments in life is crucial, and I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to part ways in such a manner."

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Aleix Espargaro Expresses His Legacy Desires

The seasoned MotoGP competitor announces his retirement

Aleix Espargaro expresses a desire for his MotoGP legacy to be defined by the principle "that perseverance trumps innate ability," upon announcing his retirement.

At the end of last week's 2024 season finale in Barcelona, the 35-year-old announced his retirement from MotoGP, marking the end of a career that began in the world championship back in 2004.

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Espargaro first appeared in MotoGP in 2010 racing for Pramac, and by the 2012 season, he became a regular competitor. Throughout his career, he has raced for teams including Aspar, Forward Racing, Suzuki, and eventually settled with Aprilia.

Espargaro achieved his greatest triumphs with Aprilia, clinching his first-ever Grand Prix win in Argentina in 2022, and then adding two more victories to his tally in 2023.

When queried by Crash.net on how he wished to be remembered following his commendable fifth-place finish in his final race, Espargaro responded, "There's a popular saying that hard work triumphs over talent."

"I genuinely hold the belief that this is accurate. Throughout my professional journey, I've consistently perceived myself as less skilled compared to numerous peers."

"By dedicating oneself fully, leveraging every possible resource and effort from my team, surrounded by a capable team, and employing intelligence along with undeniable hard work, it's possible to achieve your goals."

"I wish to be recalled as someone who persevered against all odds."

Espargaro might participate in the 2025 races as a wildcard linked to his role as a tester for Honda, though he mentioned following the Solidarity GP that he hadn't considered it yet.

Espargaro shared his feelings following his final race, stating, "My stress levels significantly dropped – once I crossed the finish line, I felt a great sense of relief."

"Clearly, I'm going to miss Aprilia and my RS-GP tremendously. However, I no longer had the desire to continue racing."

"I'm greatly relieved and filled with joy. I'm immensely proud of the progress this young one has made since my arrival, the accomplishments we've achieved, and the family we've built together."

"I believe we are embarking on a fresh phase. It's time to draw the line."

"I believe that recognizing the right moments in life is crucial, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to depart in such a manner."

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Valtteri Bottas shares insights on future plans following a revealing new tattoo.

"I'm at a point in my life where something is nearing its end."

Valtteri Bottas has revealed a fresh tattoo on his thigh that says "what's next?"

Valtteri Bottas has embraced a popular phrase on social media as he reflects on the unavoidable conclusion of his time in Formula 1.

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Sauber has decided to bring on board Formula 2 racer Gabriel Bortoleto to join forces with current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season.

Bottas finds himself at a dead end, yet he is welcoming fresh opportunities.

The individual recently took on an Iron Man triathlon, consisting of a 3.8-kilometer swim, a 180-kilometer bike ride, and a 42.2-kilometer marathon, all executed within the confines of his home. His motivation was to demonstrate his ability to accomplish this feat.

The departing Formula 1 driver revealed his latest tattoo to Sky Sports while in Las Vegas, saying, "What's next? That's the big question. That's why I made the commitment."

"I didn't have any tattoos, but I believed this one was worthwhile."

At this point in my life, one chapter is nearing its end while a new one is on the horizon.

"What comes after this? That's the question individuals need to pose to themselves and seek out the solution."

"Looking ahead, I'm not in a hurry to start anything new."

"I need to explore all possible options that will be beneficial for me in the long run, considering different paths from 2026 onwards, whether that involves Formula 1 or another direction."

Reflecting now, if that's the conclusion, I can hold my head high.

"I consistently put in my maximum effort. That's what truly matters. I have no regrets."

"Life isn't solely about racing around in circles in a car; there should be more to it than that."

"I absolutely take this sport seriously, as it is my passion and I dedicate myself fully to it."

"However, when I'm not working, I like to enjoy myself…"

There are rumors suggesting that Bottas might come back to Mercedes to take on the role of a reserve driver.

He has shown less interest in moving to a different racing series, such as IndyCar, for the 2025 season. This suggests he may be planning a return to Formula 1 in 2026, when changes to the regulations are expected.

Sauber will have a fresh appearance in 2025. At the moment, Brazilian racer Bortoleto is leading the rankings in Formula 2.

He has earned a spot as a rookie driver in Formula 1 for next year with the team that is set to become Audi in 2026.

Sauber needed to engage in discussions with McLaren, as they already had a contract with Bortoleto.

Karun Chandhok from Sky Sports referred to Bortoleto as an exceptionally skilled young driver.

"With Nico Hulkenberg, there's a harmonious mix of youthful energy and seasoned expertise."

Nico Hulkenberg has performed exceptionally this season, likely placing him among the top 10 drivers of the year.

"Bortoleto has demonstrated significant competitiveness in F2. McLaren holds him in high regard and graciously agreed to let him go."

James spent ten years working as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of topics, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Yuki Tsunoda hopes to persuade Red Bull to reconsider their decision and offer him a chance to compete in Formula 1 for the 2025 season.

Yuki Tsunoda is optimistic that his racing results will persuade Red Bull to offer him a spot on their team for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The RB driver delivered an impressive performance by securing the seventh position in the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session, just two spots behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

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Yuki Tsunoda achieved his result as Sergio Perez experienced his sixth failure to advance past Q1 this season, posting a lap time that placed him 16th on the starting grid.

Although Perez has a contract for the upcoming year, he is facing significant pressure to keep his position due to ongoing poor performance compared to Verstappen. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that the team might still alter their roster of drivers for the 2025 season.

Up to this point, Tsunoda has not been considered by Red Bull as a potential candidate, with his teammate Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, who has been filling in at Williams, seen as more probable options to replace Perez should a switch occur.

When questioned about how he plans to prove to Red Bull that he is prepared for promotion to the main team, Tsunoda replied to Sky Sports F1: "If I had the answer, I would act on it immediately after this interview."

"I can't change those things. What I can do is focus on how well I'm performing this year."

"I believe in my abilities and aim to consistently deliver strong results, hoping this will persuade them to reconsider."

"I will give my best effort and am aware of my capabilities when I join Red Bull."

"At this moment, my focus is on preparing thoroughly, presenting the outcomes, and leaving the decision up to them."

Yuki Tsunoda, who delivered a better performance than Daniel Ricciardo, initially chosen by Red Bull as a substitute for Perez, expressed his annoyance about being repeatedly passed over by Red Bull before the weekend began.

Yuki Tsunoda shared with reporters in Las Vegas that certain events began while Daniel was still his teammate. He noted that Liam joined and quickly made his presence felt.

"Frankly, it's the typical situation you find within that team or among the Red Bull group."

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He often provides on-the-ground reports, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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I secured four championships alongside Valentino Rossi – his hidden strategy revealed

"Learning from this was incredibly valuable for me…"

The ally who witnessed his prime years emphasizes that Valentino Rossi's dedication to extensive studying and conducting meetings played a pivotal role in his achievements.

Unlike his jovial outward appearance, Rossi became focused and strategic in his approach when it was time for business.

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This characteristic stands out vividly in Davide Brivio's memory.

"Brivio shared with Relevo that while they were associated with Yamaha, he was with Honda, and they managed to persuade him to join their team."

His mindset was solely focused on victory; indeed, for him, anything less than first place was considered a failure.

"He introduced a distinctly different strategy at Yamaha, embedding a mindset focused on consistently striving for victory and reaching the highest possible standards."

Valentino excelled in his professionalism, both inside the pit and while riding the motorcycle. He was highly professional.

"He dedicated extended periods to work, convened discussions, engaged in research, yet beyond the conventional boundaries, one could enjoy a meal out and have a good time.

"He displayed a high level of professionalism while also bringing a sense of enjoyment to the experience. It served as an excellent example for me, showing that it's possible to combine seriousness with fun."

In 2004, Rossi made the bold move to transition from Honda, where he had clinched the MotoGP championship, to Yamaha, risking his professional trajectory.

In his initial two seasons with Yamaha, The Doctor claimed additional championships under the leadership of team manager Brivio.

"Most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves"

Brivio recalled their partnership's major moments, such as the initial win or the inaugural world championship.

"Events such as the 2009 Barcelona race, and the 2008 Laguna Seca…"

However, there was a notable intensity, especially when Jorge Lorenzo became part of the team.

"Brivio emphasized the uniqueness of Lorenzo's entry into Yamaha."

"Valentino revolutionized Yamaha’s legacy and, naturally, he saw himself as the top contender."

"When one is present and then another comes along…"

"The experience remained positive. He handled it skillfully."

Rossi and Lorenzo famously constructed a barrier within their garage to conceal information from one another while they competed fiercely for the MotoGP championship.

"Valentino holds a dear spot in my heart," Brivio expressed.

"We secured four championships, accomplished numerous things as a team, but most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves immensely."

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of sports including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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