Valentino Rossi cools future talk

I agree - Rossi is very smart in the way he markets himself and uses the rumour mill to his advantage. Although I can't see him retiring after 2010, I would say he would like to be champ when we go back to the litre CC bikes in GP

Behind that laughing face and prankster jocularity is the slow, sure heart beat of a warrior and the quick, deadly mind of an assassin. Rossi NEVER says anything that doesn't either cast doubt, damn with faint praise or somehow turn every quip and pronouncement to his own interests. When the Eyeties come up with absolute fantasy crap like Ducati and Ferrari - VR just smiles and allows the circus to go right on putting him centre-stage. It has all been happening for some 8+ years and it has been good for business - Valentino Rossi's business! The fact that he is now claiming to censor himself going forward, ( doncha hate that PR/HR-speak ? ) has to be a cause for concern for his worshippers. It means something is happening and they might not like it. On February 16th, Aquarian Rossi turns 31. The question has to be asked: how much longer will he risk life and limb in this sport when he is already cashed-up ( leaving aside assets ) to the tune of at least some US$250 + Million and uber-sound in mind and body? There is an old but sound rule in Sport & Entertainment: get out at the peak and forever preserve the legend. No-one wants to suffer the indignity of a gradual decline or serious injury with the subsequent loss of both public and fiscal mana. Forgetting rumour and conjecture - what is the one major World Championship sport ( outside of Moto GP ) where he HAS participated and competed several times to a respectable level? WRC. And remember the Dorna shareholders to whom I have alluded in several other posts recently. Of course Rossi knows EXACTLY what he will be doing from 2011. At the close of 2010 it just very well could be, Vale Vale ... time alone will tell.