Valentino Rossi: ‘My first goal is the podium’

Valentino Rossi’s first mission on his return to Yamaha in this year’s MotoGP world championship is to score his first podium since the end of 2010.
The 33-year-old is making his first official appearance since re-signing for Yamaha during a special promotional tour in Indonesia, where he is helping launch a new logo for one of the factory team’s key sponsors, Semakin di Depan (Yamaha Motor Indonesia).

The nine-times world champion is reunited with former bitter rival Jorge Lorenzo for the forthcoming campaign as he looks to steer his illustrious career back on track after a disastrous two-year spell with Ducati.

The Italian, who managed just three podium finishes in 35 races at Ducati, said: “I am so proud to wear the new logo and am very happy to be back in the family. I cannot wait for another opportunity to ride the M1.

I think the Yamaha Factory Team will be very strong this year with myself and Jorge. For me at this moment I have to be a little quiet and try to understand what my level is with the bike after the first test. My last Grand Prix victory was in 2010 so my first goal is to come back onto the podium as soon as possible, and to try to win a race.”

Rossi and the rest of the MotoGP field are back in action next month at the Sepang track in Malaysia for a three-day test that begins on February 5.

MCN will be present in Malaysia to bring you exclusive news and views.