Valentino Rossi and Racing Legends Converge at Silverstone for Monster Energy Legends Day

Valentino Rossi: “Give it your all, but pole position isn’t necessary” with TT legends

“It’s incredible to be on the track alongside legends like John McGuinness and John Hopkins”

Valentino Rossi has expressed his opinions about competing at Silverstone alongside a group of top riders from various racing series.

A Monster Energy Legends Day at the British Grand Prix venue united racers from MotoGP, World Superbikes, British Superbikes, and the Isle of Man TT.

Present at the event were:

Valentino Rossi

Francesco Bagnaia

Franco Morbidelli

Marco Bezzecchi

Fabio di Giannantonio

Álvaro Bautista

Nicolo Bulega

Jonathan Rea

Fabio Quartararo

Alex Rins

Michael Dunlop

Peter Hickman

John McGuin

John Hopkin

Randy Mamola

Darryn Binder

Cal Crutchlow

Journalist Josh Bro

Yamaha's managing director, Lin Jarvis, also took a few laps on a bike!

“A brilliant concept by Monster,” Rossi commented.

"It's incredible to be on the same track as John McGuiness, John Hopkins, and competitors from various championships."

"I had concerns about the weather, fearing it could be around eight degrees with rain, but this is marvelous."

"I make an effort to regularly spend time cycling because I am determined not to quit."

"I’m feeling pretty good physically, and events like this track day let you push yourself while still enjoying it because there's some leeway."

"You might think, 'I'll give it my all, but securing the Pole Position isn't necessary.'"

"It's an amazing sensation. It's consistently challenging due to the physical demands – though the cars are simpler – yet it remains incredible."

World Superbike icon Rea commented, "This is really exciting since I rarely have the opportunity to spend time with colleagues."

"I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with John McGuiness and Michael Dunlop, and it was great to be on the track alongside GP riders, TT competitors, BSB participants, and my fellow Superbike racers in a laid-back setting."

During a race weekend, you're caught up in the chaos and solely focused on how well you perform. However, in this setting, you can simply relish riding your motorcycle, spend time with the team, and not stress as much about your performance.

According to Rea, the atmosphere in the paddock is typically filled with casual conversations that often don't pertain to racing.

"When I catch up with the GP guys and ask them how things are going, I mention that I'm currently experiencing some challenges in Superbike, and they show interest in that too."

"However, it's more about everyday life because athletes typically don't want to discuss their professional careers. It's quite laid-back."

Quartararo mentioned, "It's an opportunity to share the track with riders you typically wouldn't compete against."

"It's been really enjoyable and the first time I've been on an R1 since 2021! It's an amazing chance to be involved in something special."

Bagnaia expressed that it is amazing to have such a diverse group of riders.

"Additionally, it's beneficial! I often have some difficulty with my initial laps at Silverstone, and riding the Panigale is a totally unique experience. However, the more time you spend riding at the track where you'll be competing, the more it aids your performance."

“This track is challenging physically due to its high speed and the need for exact changes in direction. I enjoy it, but it’s quite difficult as well!”

Hickman mentioned that while moving from short circuits to road racing is relatively simple for him, returning to short circuits is much more challenging. He noted that it's fascinating how our perceptions and sensations can change in different environments.

"Monster excels at taking care of their athletes and placing us in unique and unexpected scenarios!"

"It's impressive how they can bridge different sports. Recently, at the TT event, we encountered some snowboarders who were attending for the first time. Monster is supportive and makes things possible."

"I really wasn't aware of the details about this event. I believe they intentionally kept everyone in the dark. Seeing Valentino, Johnny Rea, and Bautista on the track was a surprise. There are so many participants. It's an amazing and diverse lineup, which is really exciting.”

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