UPDATE 3: Ducati has officially announced signing Valentino Rossi.
UPDATE 2: Ducati Motor Holdings CEO Gabriele del Torchio has confirmed that Valentino Rossi will race with Ducati in 2011.
UPDATE: Ducati & Yamaha have made a gentlemen’s agreement to delay the announcement of Rossi’s move until after Laguna Seca, in exchange for letting the Italian test the Desmosedici GP10 at the Valencian Round.
Let’s avoid the the “scoops”, “exclusives”, and “OMG’s”, and just say that Asphalt & Rubber has received word from a trusted source that Valentino Rossi has signed a two-year agreement with Ducati, that’s set to be announced on Monday…and boom goes the dynamite (sorry, we couldn’t resist). The Rossi/Ducati fantasy has been put forth for years, with the fervor on the subject reaching its pinnacle this season, as Ducati reportedly wafted a €15 million salary (almost double Yamaha’s offer) in front of the nine-time World Champion.
Likely less to do with money, and more about prestige and priority, the announcement comes on the heels of Casey Stoner’s exodus from the Ducati team, as the Australian has jumped ship back to HRC, in what is to be some sort of multinational threesome with energy drinks involved. Ok Italy, it’s almost time to change the sheets, this wet dream is nearly a reality. Stay tuned for Monday.
Despite saying that he would like to end his career with Yamaha, Rossi has increasingly been linked to Ducati lately because of tensions with Jorge Lorenzo. While Rossi was reportedly in favor of taking a salary reduction at Fiat-Yamaha (€14 million reduced to €9 million), the Italian did not like the notion that the use of funds would go to doubling Lorenzo’s pay check, which was just a million euros short of Rossi’s.
With Lorenzo rivaling Rossi not only on the track (the Yamaha Duo were virtually untouchable last season, and Lorenzo has run away with the 2010 Championship now with Rossi injured), but also for priority in the Fiat-Yamaha team box, we can presume egos collided. Assured the top-billing at Ducati, and with the added attention/sponsorship that an Italian rider on an Italian made motorcycle brings, Rossi seems set to end his career on a Ducati….which is sort of how it should be when you think about it.
The egg timer is now set as we wait for an announcement from Yamaha about Rossi’s replacement. Smart money is on Ben Spies…Wataru Yoshikawa being the long-shot on that bet.
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This is like LeBron going to Miami, except without all the people in Cleveland having a cow. Hopefully Ducati can deliver a bike that he can do something with.
I wonder if Yamaha really will bump up Spies. That seems to be the current conjecture and as much as I would like to see him on a factory ride, I’m just not sold yet. Of course the obvious question is: if not Ben, who?
Wow, even though i knew it was coming, its still crazy. ALthough Im not THAT excited for some reason. I hope this doesnt screw over hayden with all the attention going to Rossi.
EIther way, Speeeezz is one step closer to planting himself on a factory bike.
Awesome, awesomer, awesomness….. fck yeah
Just Perfect. I wish Mr. Rossi a speedy recovery and an even more speedy time on the track :)
It will be interesting to see him on a Ducati, that’s for sure. I bet the italian fans can hardly contain themselves. It might be like his 2006 season all over. Basically the only reason he lost to Hayden that year is because the Yamaha was such a stinker. He might be in the same boat with Ducati next year.
Now Burgess has to move to Ducati as well for the stars to align….
It will be great for Ducati to get some Rossi/Burgess bike development going on. Hopefully they can fix the GP11 like he fixed the M1 back in 2003, and some of that goodness will trickle down to us Ducatisti. My only worry is for Rossi’s legacy. It looks like he’s going to be facing some stiff competition from Spies and Lorenzo next year. At least they’ll all be on new bikes, with the rule change back to 1000ccs. This year’s factory M1 is too good to beat.
I think It’s nice to see ben spies as Rossi team mate on Ducati factory team…..I hope so
This makes me very happy. Now my two favorite riders, Hayden and Rossi, are with my favorite manufacturer. Nice and simple.
The even bigger story is that he seems to have changed his name to Tim.
Tim Rossi. You heard it here first.
While we wait for the inevitable announcement which will really pit some much needed excitement back into MotoGP, here are some if the reasons why Rossi will make the change in my opinion http://www.ducatinewstoday.com/2009/09/why-valentino-rossi-will-finish-his-career-on-a-ducati-part-i/
This is great racing period. Rossi had alot to do with the development of the M1 from 2004 until now. Ducati was courting him then, but had the notion that the rider doesn’t make the bike, our engineers do. I wonder if their tone has changed 6 years later with everyone who’s struggled on the GP Desmo. Nothing against Lorenzo or Spies, but everyone is FAST on the Yamaha. It’s the best bike on the grid thanks to Vale, Jeremy, and the guru’s in Japan. Ben is sure to get the factory ride next year and desrving enough. It’s also great for Dorna who needs the top two riders in the sport to be on different machinery for sponserships, endorsements, etc. Go Rossi!
Rossi still number one in Ducati, I’m sure that.
Shock, surprise, blah blah.
Was there ever any doubt this would happen? Why else would Stoner pack his bags? Rossi turning down big money and the chance to call all the shots again as the only alien on a team?
Rossi is a traitor if he goes to Ducati.
I won’t be rooting for him anymore.
Spies on the factory bike. That’d be great.
How is Rossi a traitor?? I can see this statment if had only ever ridden for Yamaha. Did you forget his Honda years? If anything he has only been a traitor for not being on Ducati and bleeding his “red” Italian blood all these years.
Yamaha asked Rossi to take a big pay cut for the financial solvency of the team and then offered Lorenzo a substantial pay hike. With friends like that, who needs enemies?
I agree with Jake Fox: Jake Fox says:
07/09/2010 at 9:03 PM
This makes me very happy. Now my two favorite riders, Hayden and Rossi, are with my favorite manufacturer. Nice and simple.
Stoners crew has been asked to seek new employment for next season. This again would suggest that Rossi is bringing his crew along as well. No doubt Ducati will be very successful next year, and Rossi will only help the development for Nicky. Would do the sport good as well, bit of a shake up! Yamaha we’re a bit silly to cut Rossi’s wage and increase Lorenzo’s. Its also becuase Fuwizara is leaving Yamaha as well I believe. Go Rossi in Red.
IF Rossi leaves Yamaha, Burges will have to go with him, I think Rossi’s Loyalty is with Yamaha, and would prefer to see him stay on the Yamaha and see the real battle, If Rossi goes to Ducati it would be amazing also! I think that if he does leave Yamaha, they should sign Edwards, as I feel he is stonger than spies and needs the recogintion for his consistency.
Either Way, Rossi is the Doctor so what ever medicine he perscribes will do the trick!
Forza Italia!
-Brian
Dublin Ireland
Rossi on a Duke! Fantastic! Of course Burgess will follow him, he said it the other day.
Q. If rossi leaves will you stay?
Burgess. I go where my rider goes.
Simples!
He will be great on a Ducati, I don’t think he’s capable of being anything else!!!
Should inject a bit of life back too, Speez on a Factory Yam, Stoner on HRC’s finest and the Doctor on the red devil!!!
C’mon 2011!!!
I think it is going to be hard for rossi to jump on the duke and be competitive straight out the box.
It will be amazing if he reproduces his performance, like when he jumped on the yammie and won the 1st race, but this time the competition especifically lorenzo is going from strength to strength,and I think Rossi will find it hard to beat it in the remaining races this year!!!
Of course Ducati will give Rossi the fastest anf most aggressive GP Bike ever… They should give what Rossi expect and We know that they will. With that, No one! I said No one can beat rossi from now on… GO IDOL…
Of course Ducati will give Rossi the fastest and most aggressive GP Bike ever… They should give what Rossi expect and We know that they will. With that, No one! I said No one can beat rossi from now on… GO IDOL…
About time – so this is how it goes – in 2011 Vale kicks ass and keeps his crown or gets it back from Jorge. Then he retires from two wheels and gets in the F-1 car and kicks Alonso’s ass, and places in the top five for the year 2012. Its gonna happen…………
I will love it when Alonso gets humiliated by Rossi………
Can’t wait to see the number 46 next to the prancing horse……
2011 will be an interesting year for sure. I hope Rossi, Hayden and Spies all kick Lorenzo’s ass and that Yamaha go backwards so they realize how valuable Rossi was in keeping them competitive. As far as Rossi being a traitor, it seems to me Yamaha betrayed him.
it will be a very big loss for us yamaha fanatics if rossi leaves yamaha for ducati.
if thats the case then ducati should consider building ducati scooters and underbones too!
i agree with Graeme,its not vale who betrayed Yamaha,but its yamaha that betrayed him.its seems that yamaha has forgoten the day when their bike was nothing.they choose to double lorenzo’s salary while they reduce vale’s salary almost half of current salary.what an idea.go vale…!!! no one can beat you now on the beast
i hope very bad day comes to yamaha.bcz lorenzo izz not rossi.I think it is going to be hard for rossi to jump on the duke and be competitive straight out the box.
It will be amazing if he reproduces his performance, like when he jumped on the yammie and won the 1st race, but this time the competition especifically lorenzo is going from strength to strength,and I think Rossi will find it hard to beat it in the remaining races this year!!!
Dear Valentino,
Greetings from Malaysia, well I am glad to see you back to action for the last 2 MotoGP race and would like to congratulate you on becoming 3rd at the US MotoGP and five at the championship standing. I would like to wish all the best for the upcoming races and hope that you will win in most of the games with you new bike. I will continue to support you as long as you are still with MotoGP and when you leave MototGp and carry on with Formula One which is your dream after MotoGP I will continue to support you as I know that you are one of the best rider and you are very talented, so I am with you all the way as you move to Ducati as this is your decision to move on. Well take care of yourself as for me your life is more important to me than anything else. Love Prema
Vale You always the Best for me No Matter what , You are The Life Legend of Motogp . . . Bravo The Doctor Valentino Rossi
ITS CONFIRMED!!! ROSSI IS OUT OF YAMAHA, IN FOR DUCATI!!!
see the article and comics
http://www.ducatirossi.com/2010/08/valentino-rossi-barred-from-riding-new.html
Go vale were ever u go I always will follow u screw Lorenzo he’s no body the only reason he’s wining cause u Hirt your self! Go duca vale
I HAVE WATCHED VALENTINO OVER THE YEARS WITH INCREASING ADMIRARATION BOTH AS AN ICON FOR MOTO G.P. AND AS A PEERLESS RIDER AND ALONG WITH GERRY BURGESS A DEVELOPER OF RACING BIKES-MAY HE LIVE LONG AND PROSPER
@singalong. Caps are for cool kids. Also it is Jeremy Burgess. Also we are not in Star Trek.
Rossi is the best !
Rossi is the best of the best !
Rossi = Hayden… whatta lovely reunion… hope they will have a great years with Ducati, like what they had with Honda Repsol Team… BRAVO
What Black Rose said . . . Rossi and Hayden reunited . . . and on Ducati . . . YEAH!!!
Don’t realy care about the Ducati side of it (don’t see how the bike is a prototype when you can go buy one if you have the coin). But I do hope that there is no seperation between the Rossis and Haydens garage and that they both kick Yamahas and Lorenzos ass. Hope Spies gives him a hurray up also. Wouldn’t mind seeing Rossi, Hatden and Spies on the podium.
As for Stoner, well I lost any respect I had for him when he acted like a spoilt kid after being out riden by Rossi at the 2008 Laguna Seca.
italian rider on italian bike, nice quote… goooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
remember forgaty, wayne rainey and doohan. These legend retired after injured, rossi will follow them to…
crackhelmet…don’t know yet, brother….Rossi is different among them