In 2006, a season in which Valentino Rossi saw Nicky Hayden snatch the world title, the Italian had a real chance of moving to Formula 1. A ‘sliding doors’ that has been much discussed over the years, and one that Davide Brivio still recalls now, Brivio having been the factory Yamaha team manager at that time.
The Yamaha counter-move
The Italian manager, who now wears Alpine colours in the F1 paddock, recalls those moments as Rossi takes part in his final MotoGP race. “In 2006, he completed some tests with Ferrari at Valencia, there was a serious and real chance he’d move to Formula 1”, the Italian tells Sky Sport.
The Italian’s departure would have left a space in the Iwata manufacturer’s garage, and so they decided to guard against that. “We were in difficulty in Yamaha, we asked ourselves what we would do if Vale were to leave”. And so to the hiring of Jorge Lorenzo: “The arrival of Jorge was the result, as we prepared for a future without Valentino”.
In the end, Rossi decided to continue in MotoGP, flanking the Majorcan in 2008-2010 and 2013-2016. “In actual fact, Lorenzo retired before Valentino”, smiles Brivio in conclusion.
Translated by Heather Watson
GP Valencia, Rossi: “I'm pleased to have developed MotoGP”