Hamilton and Rossi look back on their Valencia tests

The energy drink brand Monster Energy carried out a nice publicity stunt by inviting its two stars Lewis Hamilton et Valentino Rossi to exchange their mounts during a day of testing on the Ricardo Tormi circuit in Valencia (Spain).

The six-time champion of F1 was able to take the handlebars of the Yamaha YZR-M1 of the nine-time champion of MotoGP which he had already been able to test a few weeks earlier on the Spanish track. The Italian took the wheel of the Mercedes W08 before riding his motorbike alongside the Briton.

“I was a big fan of Lewis before, but I am even bigger now, commented Valentino Rossi. We had a fantastic day where the two motorsport references worked together, not limited to a simple meeting. I felt like a real F1 driver for a day. I didn't want the day to end. »

“Valencia is a technically difficult circuit and it was quite windy at one point. I thought it would be difficult for Lewis to continue, but he was brilliant on the bike and his position on the M1 was superb. I think he took advantage of it and that’s the main thing”, added the MotoGP star.

Yamaha Racing director Lin Jarvis was also impressed by Lewis Hamilton's resourcefulness.

“It was an exceptional day, Lin Jarvis confirmed. We had two motorsport icons in the same place at the same time. I am very happy to have been able to witness this. I was very impressed with Lewis' performance because how many car champions can come here and ride an M1 and come back and be proud of it? It's a very difficult bike to ride quickly on the track and a factory bike is even more complicated. »

“It was his wish to ride alongside Valentino and have the experience of a day on the M1. He got both his wishes at the same time. It was fantastic to see that a six-time world champion who has achieved so much could still have a dream to fulfill on a special occasion like this.", added the director of Yamaha Racing.

Lewis Hamilton also closely followed Valentino Rossi's day.

“It’s great to see a legend like Valentino on a car. I was happy for him, that he discovered this mount for the first time, said the Mercedes driver. It reminds me of my first time behind the wheel of an F1 car. We change our world when we see all the staff around me. It was really nice to be on the track and follow Valentino on the same machine. »