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MotoGP News (2007)
MotoGP News - Rossi Switches To Bridgestone
29/11/2007
Valentino Rossi had his first experience on Bridgestone tyres at Jerez tests this week, as the top factory Yamaha rider began his new association with the Japanese company.
For the hugely popular Italian, whose stature in racing is already legendary, the switch to the Japanese tyres is a key element in his attempt to regain the title he has won on five previous occasions.
The three-day test is the final test of 2007 and Rossi - back in action for the first time since breaking his hand in Valencia - was joined in the garage by his team and his engineers used today as a chance to get to know the Bridgestone technicians, whom they will be working with next season, and to understand the initial adjustments they need to make to the bike to suit the new tyres.
"This has definitely been a positive day for us in terms of times and my feeling with the bike," said Rossi as the close of the first day of testing. "My pace was not bad at all, even though my hand is still hurting, especially in braking."
"I am happy with the choice I have made and I have great motivation for the task. Today it was also clear that there is a very high level of concentration from all the team members and this gives me even higher motivation, if possible," he said.
Rossi’s positive comments came after completing 49 laps on a sunny but cold day in Jerez. Despite still suffering from some pain in his hand, the Italian’s best time of 1’40. 514 was good enough for third and was just 0.293 seconds off Casey Stoner, who topped the time sheets.
"Today was the day we have all been waiting for. It has been a very important day for us, because we’ve been looking forward to having the chance to confirm our decision," said Davide Brivio, Rossi's team manager.
"As far as the new work with Bridgestone is concerned, we made a good start. It was a good day with good times and we look forward to continuing the work this week."
Rossi had been serial champion in the premier class from 2001 to 2005, but in 2006 narrowly lost the title after a season hit by bad luck as well as machine and tyre failures. In 2007, however, his Yamaha was soundly beaten by Bridgestone-shod Casey Stoner’s Ducati.
Rossi frequently spoke about how his rival’s Bridgestone tyres had played a crucial part in the Australian’s dominant victory. The influential Italian ended the season third overall, but by then he had made sure he would also have Bridgestone tyres for 2008. He will be the only one of the four Yamaha riders to use Bridgestone.
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