Valentino Rossi: “Le Mans was beautiful but short, short but beautiful”

Valentino, what is your reaction to the 21st time set by the car in qualifying here at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps?

When they told me on the radio that we were 21st, I said: “ P… this is the 2nd time in a row that this has happened to us! » At the same time, in a 24-hour race, this is not essential. Raffaele (Marciello. Editor's note) had a very good qualification, Maxime encountered traffic problems. As for me, in addition to the traffic and the red flag which penalized me, I also made two small mistakes when qualifying resumed. It cost me a few tenths. Too bad, we had the potential to finish in the top 20 and therefore compete for Superpole.

What is your goal this weekend?

Finish on the podium. The car runs very well, especially on the new asphalt. But we need a little more top speed. We also know that performance varies from one day to the next. For the moment, it is impossible to say where we stand.

Let's look back at your experience at 24 Hours of Le Mans. What do you keep from it?

It was beautiful but short. Or short but beautiful. Beautiful because in the race, we were competitive. Maxime returned the car to me in P1. I completed three stints in a row in the same position. I felt good; I drove well. It was great. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were very bad. We tried not to lose time by keeping the car on slicks even though the track was wet. I was ready to take over when I was told that Ahmad (Al Harthy. Editor's note) was out. The radiator was punctured. Impossible to return to the stands. It was obviously a big disappointment because I didn't ride at night. Too bad... We could have finished on the podium in the category.

What is your goal for next year: Hypercar or GT3?

The Hypercar is a dream for every driver. But I don't know if this dream will come true. It's still early in the season. Maybe after the last race in WEC, I will have the opportunity to test the BMW Hypercar.

This weekend is also the MotoGP in Assen (Netherlands). Are you 100% focused on the 24 Hours or are you keeping an eye on what's happening in the Netherlands?

I find out whenever I can about what's going on there. This morning I watched the free practice sessions. I am in contact with the VR46 pilots and with my brother (Luca Marini. Editor’s note) all the time. I called them to give them advice. I just have one problem: tomorrow the sprint race in Assen will start at 15:00 p.m., when we will be ready for the grid. Fortunately, it is Maxime (Martin. Editor’s note) who will start. I will be able to watch the progress of the sprint from time to time. I often go and play with my phone.

The next race for you will be an FIA WEC meeting in São Paulo (Brazil). What is your opinion ?

I am very excited to discover this trail. In the past, I have often won in MotoGP in Rio de Janeiro (6 times. Editor's note). It's a fun circuit (Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet or Jacarepaguá. Editor's note) and we always have fantastic memories when we ride in Rio.

Will we ever see you on the Nordschleife?

Competing in a race on the Nordschleife was one of my goals, just like Spa and Le Mans. But the problem is that to drive in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, you have to go through an intermediate stage with a small car. And frankly, I don't want to do that. In the future, we will see. But I love this track. On the simulator, I have to count at least 2000 laps with my friends.

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