Valentino Rossi

I'm Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon.

— Valentino Rossi

The tragic incident of Luis Salom reminds us that our sport, our passion, is dangerous. We know it but, in a way,…

— Valentino Rossi

You need to realise that, if you want to go on, you have to work hard. If you dwell too much on…

— Valentino Rossi

Barcelona is a special track. I have always loved the layout of the circuit, but also the atmosphere and the fans are…

— Valentino Rossi

I would have probably stolen cars - it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing.

— Valentino Rossi

The work that we do during the winter is very important; we have a new bike and it's important to develop it…

— Valentino Rossi

Also, when I started racing he knew a lot of people and it was more easy for me to find the first…

— Valentino Rossi

I am still here because I like to prove myself. I still like to ride the bike on track and enjoy the…

— Valentino Rossi

As for the level of spectacle of the two disciplines, I leave it to the people who watch the races to comment.

— Valentino Rossi

I have so much respect for my opponents; many of them watched the races as little children and were supporting me!

— Valentino Rossi

Maybe if Graziano make another work or another sport I wouldn't have had this passion to be a rider

— Valentino Rossi

Friendship is very important to me. With some friends, we've known each other since we were kids and it's a very strong…

— Valentino Rossi

I have always challenged myself and it's also important to learn from the rivals. Every rider has his own style, and you…

— Valentino Rossi

I am completely focused on being strong, riding fast, and enjoying myself. With the new generation of riders, only the chronometer counts.…

— Valentino Rossi

Motivation is the key. More than training, more than experience or age, motivation counts. You have to ask yourself: 'Why am I…

— Valentino Rossi

I am able to ride the bike and think clearly about strategy and tyres. I also have positive thinking. I am very…

— Valentino Rossi

In 2009, I didn't like that Yamaha signed such a young and competitive teammate [Jorge Lorenzo]. But now everything is different. We…

— Valentino Rossi

But I could also start F1 or rallying. I love rallying much more.

— Valentino Rossi

Once the races begin it's more difficult and there is never that much time for testing.

— Valentino Rossi

To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.

— Valentino Rossi

The speed is something dangerous but very exciting.

— Valentino Rossi

You try to do a technical feature: in front of me I had a strong rider who brakes hard and it's difficult…

— Valentino Rossi

You need a combination of many things to get good results. Experience is one of these, and it can be very useful…

— Valentino Rossi

Fortunately during my career I have won more or less everything, so I need to enjoy it to have the right motivation.

— Valentino Rossi

I try to have a different relationship with the bike. I don't give it a name, but I always speak with it.…

— Valentino Rossi