|
If you’re a Valentino Rossi fan, consider yourself a Ducatisti, and have been waiting for the planets to align such that Rossi would be riding a Ducati in MotoGP then pop open that bottle of vino that’s been aging because that time is now. (Technically next year, just for the record - Ed)
Rossi will pilot the GP11 during the 2011 MotoGP season and according to Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. "He is a paragon of excellence in the world of motorcycling, coherent with our Italian company which is a standard-bearer for ‘made in Italy’ excellence.” If I were Ducati’s president I’d be smiling ear to ear as well since not only did I just sign one of the most decorated riders in motorcycle racing history but I now have the opportunity to merge two of the highest revenue generating brands in the world.
If you don’t think for a moment that money played a role in this marriage then I have a piece of the Brooklyn Bridge to sell you. I guarantee you that you’ll see a special Rossi edition 1198 created along with his VR46 line being incorporated into Ducati’s marketing machine.
For Rossi’s part, being with Yamaha since 2004 has been a time of great substance and there’s no denying the fact that he brought Yamaha’s YZR-M1 from obscurity to world class citizen. He certainly didn’t do it alone as his crew chief Jeremy Burgess is a master when it comes to setting up and refining a motorcycle; but when all is said and done the rider is the one ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the team.
I’m sure this decision wasn’t easy as you need to look no further than his handwritten note that reads like an ending to a romance novel: ”Unfortunately even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories, like when my M1 and I kissed for the first time on the grass at Welkom, when she looked straight in my eyes and told me ‘I love you!’”
Clearly Rossi faces challenges at Ducati but he’ll have the “best of the best” at his fingertips which should help him overcome any obstacles he faces. Then again, Ducati’s bike is not Yamaha’s and few have had success like Casey Stoner; who, I might add, is switching to ride a Honda for 2011. That means Val teams up with Nicky Hayden (again) which I believe is a win-win for both. Hayden can learn from Rossi (he is a 9 time World Champion after all) and Rossi can help develop both the bike and the team into a v-four tour de force powerhouse. In the process perhaps grab another championship the first year out? Stranger things have happened.
Playing Devil’s advocate for a second let’s say Rossi isn’t successful on a Ducati and struggles all season long, barely making it onto the podium even at some of his favorite tracks like Mugello or Misano. Would that diminish what he’s achieved over the years? Should he no longer be called “The Doctor?”
Time will only tell whether this move will be victorious for all the parties involved but one thing is certain: the 2011 MotoGP season should shape up to be one hell of a year for racing!
Trackback(0)
 |
.jpg&contenttype=jpeg "MC Superstore Tire Sale!")
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed