Jerry Burgess: 2004 still Valentino Rossi’s best MotoGP title win

Valentino Rossi’s crew chief Jerry Burgess reckons the Italian’s maiden world title for Yamaha back in 2004 still beats his impressive comeback in 2008.

Rossi roared back to form last season with nine victories as he won back the premier class crown he had last taken for Yamaha back in 2005.

Rossi beat closest rival Casey Stoner by nearly 100-points in a record-breaking campaign.

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But despite becoming the most successful rider in history, surpassing Giacomo Agostini’s record of 68 wins in Indianapolis, Aussie Burgess reckons the 2004 success is still the standout win for him.

Rossi stunned the racing world when he won the ’04 title in his first attempt for Yamaha and Burgess told MCN: “There were the established Honda riders that year and we were banned from testing and asked to take a different sort of motorcycle from nothing to a winner. It took 10 years off our lives to get it to world championship status. When we did that at Phillip Island that year I don’t think there was a face in the he garage that was smiling because we were so exhausted. That year was a far greater achievement in my mind.”

Do you think Rossi’s 2008 title success was better than 2004, or do you agree with Jerry Burgess? Post a comment below.