Valentino Rossi Speak about Sepang *Pics*

Rossi speaks ahead of Sepang debut 23/1/2004 New Yamaha signing Valentino Rossi today spoke of his excitement at testing the YZR-M1 for the first time. The Italian world champion swings his leg over his new machine for the first time at Sepang in Malaysia tomorrow (Saturday) but found time to answer these questions for his fans around the world. Q: What has the wait for your first ride on the Yamaha M1 been like? A: It's been a long time since I rode a bike - more than two months. And everything's completely new, so it's almost starting from zero. I'll need one day just to get used to riding again, just to recalculate the speed and the braking. And the bike will feel different to what I have been used to. Q: How big an advantage is it taking some of your old crew to join the Yamaha team? A: It's a big, big advantage because understanding what changes we might make takes time and it takes time to work out settings and to understand everything about the new machine. The crew knows me very well because we've been together four years, and now we have the best team in the world. Q: In the past you've taken one year to work out how to win a world championship and then the next year to win it. Your crew chief Jerry Burgess has already said you can win it this year. What's your view? A: It's not clear for me yet because I haven't ridden the bike. To win the championship in the first year will be hard. We need time to become competitive and win races. We will aim at being at the top level by mid-season and then try to win some Grands Prix. Q: Who will be the biggest threat this year? A: Looking at last year, it's going to be Biaggi, Gibernau and also Hayden. Capirossi will be fast on the Ducati too. Q: Have you set any targets for tomorrow's (Saturday) test, or for the entire three-day session? A: The target for these three days is to understand the bike and to give as much information as possible to the engineers about any problems we might have. Q: What are your impressions of the Yamaha M1 having raced against it for two seasons now? A: In 2002 the Yamaha was at more or less the same level as the Honda, better in some ways, worse in others. But in the winter of last year between 2002 and 2003, Honda made a big step forward and it seemed as if Yamaha couldn't quite match that improvement. Q: You like Sepang as a race track, but do you rate it as a test track? Will it give you a good overall impression of the Yamaha M1? A: This is one of the best tracks in the world because it has all types of corners - from a tight hairpin to long fast turns. It's very wide with a good surface and one of the best test tracks. Q: What made you sign with Yamaha for 2004 instead of any other factories? A: First, because Yamaha is the second best factory in MotoGP at the moment. And also because when I talked to them I got a very good feeling about things. Q: How competitive do you expect to be in the race at Welkom in April? A: It depends on how the test programme goes and how quickly any modifications can be made. And after that we'll see. For sure, there won't be a victory, but we hope to be not too far away. Q: If you don't win a race on the Yamaha M1 this year will it prove technology has become more important than the rider? A: Yes. Q: Eddie Lawson was the last rider to successfully switch factories in the premier class. What was your motivation to switch factories? A: There was nothing to prove. It was just that the motivation riding for Honda had finished, we won three world championships in a row, we won at favourite tracks, at my least favourite tracks, and in all conditions - so what was left to do? Q: What do your Italian fans think of your move to Yamaha? A: They are confident. Q: Do you prefer to be the underdog - and then surprise people by winning? A: I don't mind being the favourite. I have been in the past, but the problem was if I lost a Grand Prix. If I finished second it was because I rode badly or made big mistakes, but that wasn't always the reason. If you come second or third in MotoGP at this level, it's possible, it's normal. Q: Do you still miss the 500cc two-strokes? A: Always, yes. Q: Why? A: Riding a 500 was always so much fun, but these bikes are very good now with so much power. Q: How do you feel about tomorrow? A: I'm very excited, I really am. I've been waiting for this for two months. Tomorrow is not a job, I'm really excited about it. **courtesy Yamaha Racing...!**

:thumbup

:yesnod

:cool:

Hayden is going to OWN him this year!!!! :yesnod :yesnod

its gonna be a good year for Moto GP!! Now if SPEED channel just get with the program and start showing more Moto GP action!!!

:fork :fork :fork

:fact

We'll have to see what kind of commitment yamaha will give ? Schumacher and Ferrari ! Ferrari did what ever they needed to do in order to win ! No excuses ! Like Schumacher we know Rossi has the speed,so it's up to Yamaha ! But like Ferrari I don't expect a champianship the first year.

damn, where can i get one of those sweet yamaha pit shirts?

Originally posted by SpidermanSS :fork :fork :fork now THAT is a mullet :eek:

are his fairings carbon fiber?

got any pics of the whole bike?

Originally posted by jfrost are his fairings carbon fiber? all race bikes have carbon bodywork, they just paint over it.

So is Yamaha not racing a blue GP bike this year or is it just the 'test' bike that will be black? I think that black/carbon look is pretty sweet. It's so strange seeing Rossi standing there in a Yamaha shirt, putting his number on the M1... Speed channel had better have some good coverage this year!! Is there any type of pay-satelite channel for bike racing like there is for just about every other sport in the world? I'd pay $200 bucks to not miss a single GP race all season and be able to record them all... I was hpoing I could find a DVD of the entire 2003 season, but i don't think anyone makes one. ??

my bad i didnt know that:dunno why would you want to hide all that beatiful cf?:dunno actually just thought about it, big sponsers pay big money. i just know i wouldnt cover up all that beautiful cf!

dude it's sweet seeing him in a yamaha pit shirt

If you want to buy a DVD, try Duke video!

Originally posted by MR_GIXXER_MAN Hayden is going to OWN him this year!!!! :yesnod :yesnod I hope you're right, but for some reason, I don't see that coming. :no Be safe...

Sex on wheels?

:rock He mentioned Hayden as a threat!

Originally posted by Griffbo80 I hope you're right, but for some reason, I don't we that coming. :no Be safe... well it is going to take them awhile to get Rossi's bike worked out....and Hayden finished strong. He will be winning some races very soon!!!!:thumbup

:confused: He's working on his own bike :lol

holy freakin crap I want an M1

Originally posted by tidbit holy freakin crap I want an M1 :iamwithst

Originally posted by Wolf-R1 :rock He mentioned Hayden as a threat! I don't see Hayden in front of Gibernau too often! But I suppose he may threaten Rossi for 2nd/3rd/4th positions.

Originally posted by R6 Matt now THAT is a mullet :eek: :lol

Very nice pics! :thumbup Look at that upsidedown swingarm, just like the 'O4 R1... :yesnod

Awesome pics :yesnod.............where do I sign up...........:lol

Originally posted by Ides Sex on wheels? Have to admit Yamaha and those Marchesini 10 spokes sure do look nice together :lol

Originally posted by MR_GIXXER_MAN Hayden is going to OWN him this year!!!! :yesnod :yesnod He will sure be a major threat. :fact Good god, just look at that black M1.:bow

Originally posted by illusion damn, where can i get one of those sweet yamaha pit shirts? Ride really fast on the track and Yamaha gives them to you for free. If that doesnt work for you, you can get them thru your local dealer, Riva Yamaha in Ft. Lauderdale has all the counter guys them in blue.

AWESOME PICS SPIDEY!!!:rock In regards to the comment about the bike being black-90% of rider's test bike's are black:fact See avatar for Ruben Xaus' new ride this season:yeson Its going to be a great season-Hayden,Gibernau,Caparossi,Xaus,Bayliss,Rossi...Cant wait:jump

Hayden will be in the top three in pts this year , maybe the Champ ! look what he did in his first year on that bike and pretty much his first time on any of those tracks .

.....I love the M1

Originally posted by tidbit holy freakin crap I want an M1 damnit, now you're just getting greedy!! you already have a damn track bike and i'm still trying to buy one, hold your horses!!!:D

Originally posted by Ides Sex on wheels? Just the sight of this beautiful machine brings a tear to my eye.

I have seen the entire 2003 season. I must say, "Rossi can "RIDE". I think he still be competitive in 2004. He may not win the championship but still he will give some hard time to Honda riders. Only thing that may hold him back is bike not being as competitive as Honda. (And No, i am not biased towards honda) But if they can sort out the bike by end of 2004, he's got crown for sure in 2005. Than again honda will become even more competitive. I would sure like to see Rossi get some podium position to prove that Rider skill do matter over technology. And yes Hayden is a great rider but Gibernau will be in front. Fight will be between Biaggi and Gibernau as they both got same bike. It more comes down to skill and tactics. But you never know Hayden might just take the crown. Sure will an Interesting Season. CANT WAIT. Just my .02 cent.:)

Mladin and Yates got to ride the RG-V 990 today for maybe 12 laps . That was nice of Suzuki to let them ride the GP bikes a little!:lol

love pics thank for the full pic of the bike it is such a beatiful sight.:rock :finger :thumbup i want an m1.

damn i want one i would b on the track everyday and woudlnt complain about anything

God that bike is tight! I can't stop looking at it... Spidy - where did you get these pics?

:fork :fork :fork

Hey all.. its 6:45pm Sat arvo here...what time is the testing??? Cheers, :thumbup

IT's gonna be a helluva racing season. SPEED Channel will have all the GP races, and my Tivo grabs them all. I love Rossi's comment, that if he doesn't win this season then the technology dominates the rider.... coming from him, that's got some credibility. Don't discount Hayden... he's probably the sentimental favorite for most of us, so we'ld like to see him win, but we think somehow the more experienced europeans have an edge... not so at all. Hayden is a major threat and will get the on the top of the podium several times this season, you can bank on it. Nobody has the fire that guy has going into this season.... except Rossi Repo

Came back from sepang about 3 hours ago. Sorry didnt have the camera with me, but i do have a binoculars :p. I waited almost 2 hours for him to get on the bike and put in some laps. He looked fast... I didnt see the laptime though. After a while it got pretty hot (and the humidity level here is unbelievable) and i say fcuk this and leave. Well actually my GF call and "demand" that i got back and pick her up for some shopping. I totally forgot about it since I went to the track almost everyday since thursday to get a glimpse of rossi and i said I'm not leaving till i saw him in action (which kinda explains the 2 hour ordeal). I did and I'm proud to say that I've saw him live in action today :rockWhich pretty much makes me the first one on the entire forum right? :lol *in count von count voice* Aha ha ha ha ha ha *thunder* I'm actually suprised by the number of ppl who were there during the test seasion. Usually the track is pretty much near empty...

I like Rossi and Hayden too, But no one mentions anything about Edwards. Hes on a Honda this year and should be able to :riding .

Eliminator..you went to the track every day..waited 2 hours or something..you knew it was THE DAY for Rossi..and you didnt take a camera??? :confused:

I'll be the first to post a pic then:lol :bow

Another:bow

Lookin' good :cool:

Originally posted by illusion damn, where can i get one of those sweet yamaha pit shirts? I dont know but I want to join in to your avatar

SIC

I just read that Rossi was only one second off Biaggis best time after only his first 50 or so laps ! I think the championship will be his and Yamahas this year !:bow Rossi !

You want a M1? Get a 04 R1 (for the frame/swinger combo) then get a QBcarbon carbon R1/M1 fairing kit,then a Termignoni exhaust...you"ll be as near as you"ll ever be to owning one...for power,just starp naaaaaaawwwwwzzz on it. :lol

There is another company that makes the R1/M1 bodywork....magical racing or some like that.

Originally posted by martinc There is another company that makes the R1/M1 bodywork....magical racing or some like that. Not for the 04...Yet!!! Eventually they will I guess. Since Magical does the Proton teams bodywork I wonder if that is a conflict of interest :dunno Linky: http://www.magicalracing.co.jp/LineUp/02yzfr1_en.html

Originally posted by valerossi Look at that upsidedown swingarm, just like the 'O4 R1... Yeah, after looking at photos of the 03 spec M1 it appears that Rossi's 04 model has a bunch of changes you can readily see, including the swinger, frame, brakes, bodywork, ramair inlet shape, and others. The 04 M1 swingarm looks completely different from the 03 model. Although Rossi had to wait until today to begin testing, it appears that the M1 engineers have been hard at work during the off season.

Originally posted by Ozzy_R1_demon Eliminator..you went to the track every day..waited 2 hours or something..you knew it was THE DAY for Rossi..and you didnt take a camera??? :confused: Well the only camera that i have is an optio330GS, it's crappy, the zoom function suck ass, i forgot to bring it and actually i dont have any schdule of the test session i dunno when rossi session is on. Thus I went everyday (it's chinese new year holiday here) sat there for at least 3 hours and I saw most rider run 20 or so laps but no Rossi. I went on saturday thinking I'm not seeing rossi at least untill sunday (my company got a site office at sepang, so i drop by the track on my way to work. no we do not close cuz it's a sales office and construction on the site need to go on 24/7) since i got no better things to do and i though my schdule are clear for the rest of the day. Which was proven wrong when my gf called, blah blah blah... to cut the story short, after hearing and watching the M1 goes, i went shopping. Thats the story. it suck....

Hopefully you'll be able to get some shots at the next session EliminatorR1..all the best bro:thumbup

Originally posted by rorlow Have to admit Yamaha and those Marchesini 10 spokes sure do look nice together :lol Ok...just crate up your R1 and send it to me :yesnod Silver and Black Attack!!!

Originally posted by THE MUFFIN MAN damnit, now you're just getting greedy!! you already have a damn track bike and i'm still trying to buy one, hold your horses!!!:D :lol ok... I guess yer correct... You can have the M1 first.. I'll keep my baby for now :bow http://www.r1wolfpack.com/gallery/images/2-1373138722-IMG_0301.jpg http://www.r1wolfpack.com/gallery/images/2-318871178-r6shock.jpg NOT!.. I want the M1!... :finger

OH THE HUMANITY!!... spidy you should really enable remote linking :finger

that bike is a beauty... i love Y-spoke rims....

Originally posted by MR_GIXXER_MAN Ok...just crate up your R1 and send it to me :yesnod Silver and Black Attack!!! Don't you want to wait till I get a few more winter mods on it :lol

One day they will be a Barber!!

Rossi was only 2 tenths of a second slower than Biaggi today and even with Gibernau , that is incredible , Rossi is going to dominate this year I do believe .:thumbup :fork

Rossi Interview @ Sepang. Randy Mamola told me after he tested the m1 ''youre ****ed,this bike is a disaster'' now i can say that he was wrong,its not a disaster.I have a good feeling when i ride it and to tell the truth,i expected worse.We are not at the same level as Honda in terms of how easy it is to do fast laps with the RCV when the tyres are warm and are not 100%,with the Yamaha its more difficult to ride at this stage. Are you happy with this time? definitely,when i arrived i thought i could do at the maximum 2 e 03 and instead i am a second happier haha - So what is there still to learn about your new situation "Fundamentally 2 things:how fast the yamaha can respond to the requests from me and team.Also how fast can it adapt to different tracks in the championship.Sepang is a friendly track to me and to the yamaha ,we need to see it in other places.Also at the end of the race simulation the bike was moving alot,not only the rear but the front too. Here you tested the new piston engine,how was it,an answer to any problems? "i did a few laps with the bike used by the japanese testers.It seemed good,it has a supply that i like, but i believe it has the same horsepower as the other bike,however it needs something more.Then again id like to retry it on my bike so i could get the best out of it. -So what is different between the RCV and M1? The RCV doesnt have any weknesses,the Yamaha has a good base and its very agile. - Theres little time for the Japanese to fix the problems because you will be testing again on the 11th feruary "We have to see whether the yamaha can translate the changes we make into something useful,this was their problem last year.I understand it could take a long time seeing that increasing the power is not something you can do in one day.But,they have already found some soulations and fixed other things quickly,we just hope we have time to fix the problems. You have always said you will be competitive by mid season,have these tests changed your opinion? a few fast laps dont make you win a championship,obviously id be happy to be competitive so soon but its not easy work,its not like with 2 clicks of the forks we can resolve the problems.Also dont forget honda will have a new bike and we will see their times at the next test. Do you think you frightened them? Maybe they didnt expect me to lap so fast but i hope that they were already riding flat out haha. _________________

:rock Now have any of you got some decent pix of rossis R1 this yrs motifs. I want to replicate this on my own R1:crash Come on guys, Be a part of this and get a mention when complete. All those that help will be mentioned with pixs of bike when replicated:fact

:hellobye sorry guys, Please send pictures to my e mail direct please bodyshop20@msn.com :iamwithst cheers people

i think you could start a new thread and it would be ok

Its actually kind of funny to hear the few shit talkers that thought Rossi would not do well this year