Paris (AFP)

Italian Valentino Rossi, who is transitioning from the official Yamaha team to his SRT satellite for the 2021 MotoGP season, has set himself the goal of resuming "fighting for the podium and victory" after two frustrating seasons.

"I don't run just to pass the time," proclaimed the MotoGP icon during a press conference on Wednesday.

"It's a very important season for me as I come out of two seasons below my expectations, especially regarding the results."

"I want to try to be competitive and stronger than the last two years, to fight for the podiums and to win races", says the one whose last success dates back to 2017 and who only signed three podiums in 2019 and 2020. "The goal is to be strong, competitive from start to finish."

To do this, he will have to adapt to a new working environment, with less human and material resources than in the factory stables to which he is used.

"From what I understand there are fewer people working on the bike, but the way a satellite team works is also different: you think more about the performance of the race weekend than about developing the motorcycle throughout the season, which is a good thing, ”said the 42-year-old rider.

"We have seen solid results in recent years from satellite riders (from Yamaha, editor's note) and sometimes the official riders had more difficulty, so it's good for me," he adds.

Finally, "I'm happy with my situation because I have the full support of Yamaha and this team (SRT) has shown that they are capable of winning, of taking their riders to the top, so I expect a very high level ", continues the" Doctor "who feels" in good shape, ready to start "the pre-season tests on Saturday and the Grands Prix on March 28 in Qatar.

Hired for a year with Yamaha-SRT, when will Rossi decide to continue or retire?

"During the summer break, he announces. I want to leave myself half a season. My decision will depend on my results. If I am strong, that I fight for the podiums and the victories, I could continue a year of more. Otherwise, no. "

"Well, that's my idea. I haven't talked about it with the team or with Yamaha. Maybe they'll say it's not my decision? It's possible," laughs- he does.

"After 26 years of this life, it's sure that it will change a lot (to stop racing in MotoGP, note) but I'm not worried, assures Rossi. I had a very, very long career and I I'm happy about that. And I want to continue driving cars, so maybe that will change but not a lot. "

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