At Vallelunga Rossi at the wheel of a Ferrari
Campagnano (ROME) – “I want to be back racing in a race like this. Having finished this way I definitely try again.” In the 6 Hours of Vallelunga Valentino Rossi was fun, even if the first speed race car is finished before the checkered flag for him, with a few thrills for the principle of fire in the Ferrari 430 Scuderia Team Kessel.
“I am a little scare – Rossi then said - certainly hope that does not break out … but you’re never locked in. … I was dropped from the belt, but I could not see the handle to open the door, then I anti fire and the kids arrived I gave them, too bad because if there were problems we would have won. ” Incidents that do not happen in motion. Also stand so long at the wheel is new. “Driving this car – says Rossi speaking of ‘his’ Ferrari – compared to a race bike is much easier, comfortable seats six, is not a problem.” However, what is lacking in experience to four wheels Valentino finally arrived: trying to start, and maybe even finish, a real race.
“Unfortunately we started with the safety car – says Rossi – so I wanted to start the brawl has been very muted. Maybe it was better to start half an hour later. But maybe they were afraid that night would become the beginning there was enough fog. I have fun anyway we have been strong. ” And what are the emotions of that first race car? “It ‘a different race – continues the Doctor -. At first I enjoyed it, I battled a bit’ with Naspetti. Then I was hoping to do one last shift driving a bit more relaxed because we had 3 lap lead after Our team members have withdrawn, and instead we broke the starter, so we lost all the advantage. But it was fun because I had to pull very strong until the end. I was going well, then unfortunately the car caught fire ” .
The trail continues for four-wheel Valentino stops here. “Next week – says Rossi – I’m still at the wheel for Rally of Monza, then if next year there will be an opportunity and the chance to return, I will gladly also because when you’re in front of up to 40 minutes from the end, remains a bit ‘bad taste in mouth. Compared to MotoGP at Vallelunga was like taking a leap into the past? “I came here last time – recalls Rossi – in 1995, then a lifetime ago. I enjoyed it was good, with many fans hope that we can remake”.
The podium, this time in Rossi’s enough, but Valentino collects also the respect of drivers who have raced with him. Of all the five-time winner of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, Emanuele Pirro, who won the GT3 class. “Valentino Rossi is an example to all drivers – said Pirro – I hope it is more often run with four wheels. It ‘an example for all the drivers in Formula 1 because it also has the humility to race in different categories and not at the highest level, does not complain as the top drivers and everything to win. “