Valentino Rossi of Ducati Team discards rumours of shifting to HRC for 2012 season – MotoGP news
Ducati Team rider Valentino Rossi denied the rumours that he is trying to move back to HRC.
Confirming his stint with Ducati, he also added that he holds a contract for 2012 and surely will be racing with the Bologna factory.
Rossi said, “I read about something from my new manager, the Superbike rider Marco Melandri, who knows everything about my decision for next year! Joking aside, I will race for Ducati next year for sure. It is not in doubt. The contract is signed and the
situation is 100 percent fixed. So for sure I will race with Ducati - if Melandri agrees!”
The rumour was ignited during the summer break that Rossi who left Honda in 2003 and moved to Yamaha is looking to regain a spot in Honda. It was reported that he has contacted San Carlo Honda Gresini team boss, Fausto Gresini for initial talks.
The nine-time world champion Rossi made fun of the rumour when it was asked during the pre-race press conference held at Brno circuit. He said that he is surely not willing to let down his Ducati team and take such a step.
Yamaha’s factory team rider in the WSBK series Marco Melandri spread the rumour that Rossi is willing to make a move over Ducati. However after Rossi’s statement, Melandri also claimed that it was part of joke.
Melandri said, “Kidding I said Rossi was looking for a Honda and everyone write it all over… Why I have to always [look] like a bad boy? Let me just race.”
Presently the Italian rider is going through a tough period to develop the Ducati as a race winner. During the first half of the season, the Desmosedici has not been a promising contender.
Meanwhile, Rossi has only claimed a single podium for his Italian team at Le Mans during the first half of 2011 MotoGP season.
After completing half season, the Italian veteran is fifth to rank in world championship standings following Dani Pedrosa only two points apart.
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