MotoGP News - Rossi Praises Bridgestone's Performance
30/11/2007
Seven times World Champion Valentino Rossi was the centre of attention at Jerez tests, when he essayed his first tests on Bridgestone tyres.
The Italian superstar, fresh from victory at the close-season Monza Rally, ran for two-and-a-half of three days – all he could manage, because of hand injuries sustained at the final race less than four weeks before.
In spite of the weakness to his right (throttle and brake) hand, Rossi’s first outing was highly effective. On the second day, he posted a close second-fastest time, barely half-a-second slower than his own front-row qualifying time for the race at the start of the season.
Rossi requested the switch to Bridgestone tyres for him alone in the Fiat Yamaha team, after suffering serial frustration at the hands of Casey Stoner and the Bridgestone-shod Ducati during the season.
The move was a news sensation at the close of the year, and all eyes were on the popular Italian at the Jerez tests.
“It has been a very positive first test with Bridgestone,” said Rossi, after deciding to stop early because of increasing pain and weakness in his right hand.
“We still have work to do adapting our bike to the tyres, but we were able to finish our programme,” he said, adding that the team would start 2008 “with the same motivation, if not more than ever”. Rossi’s third place in the championship was his worst ever result in the premier class.