So looks like Vale will return to Ducati next season, doubtful as a rider but who knows! 3 year, 2 bike deal with Ducati and 5 years overall in Moto gp......gonna be alot of Duc's on the grid next season!
From what I've read on Moto Gp website, the Teams Saudi backers are keen to see Vale as a rider, purely from a marketing point of view I imagine, but I think even Vale knows its time .... Very slight possibility we might see Rossi and Marini line up for a season, I suppose its up to him! After all its his team
Somehow it does not seem right that he takes up grid space. I was going to caveat that and say but if he had unlimited input to make the bike the way he wants...but no, there is a reason the best in any sport are younger. Many in fact..
just watched his interview on moptogp.com ''...I think it will be very difficult.....'' talking about to race in the team.
As he created the team, and it wouldn't exist without him doing so, its hard to say he is taking up grid space!
depends on point of view. Why have someone who is just circulating? be better off as a test rider and surely his pride has to kick in at some point.. IF the team is to be competitive (I cant see him wanting the team to finish last! ) then he must know there are quicker riders available.
It’ll be sad if he rides, bordering on embarrassing for such a great rider. As much as I like him and he’s been great or the sport, I wish he wasn’t riding this season.
Had to check it wasn’t April… Very few riders that the Ducati suits. potentially a money move in my book but would love to be proved wrong. reading the release, this is for his race team isn’t it. So he may carry on with Yamaha. I am surprised he’s gone for Ducati though.
As a racer retirement's the only way forward 4 me as he's done now, there'll not be another Valentino for a very long period so thanks for all the wonderful memories over the decades, but watching this nonsense unfold week in & out is ridiculous.Also most importantly the factory Yamaha has not help over the last few years with their non-performance.
His general demeanour at the track and in the pit garage is telling enough. I think he knows all too well his tank is running empty against a crop of new riders who have lots less to lose and everything to prove, I'd love him to get just one more podium before he pulls the plug, but in any case I don't think even with his talent, he can overcome his nemesis which is his age. He'll make a great manager and team owner and will be of more benefit to the sport in his advisory role and will always remain an ambassador for MotoGP and a source of inspiration to many. His achievements as a rider have few equals and he would certainly gain more respect to bow out gracefully now, than risk the ridicule and continue.
