MotoGP: Valentino Rossi highly motivated for 2008

Yamaha bosses reckon Valentino Rossi’s motivation to bounce back from a disastrous 2007 MotoGP campaign is higher than ever.

Valentino Rossi gave himself another big lift this week when he completed a successful three-day test in Sepang, posting an impressive race simulation on his way to topping the timesheets.

And Fiat Yamaha boss Davide Brivio reckons Rossi is fired up to try and win an eighth world title in 2008.

“His motivation is very high,” Brivio told MCN.

“He wants to get back into a winning position.”

Davide Brivio believes the emergence of a new generation of younger talent is what keeps Valentino Rossi motivated, with the 28-year-old Italian about to begin his 13th campaign in the world championship.

And Brivio reckons the challenge of trying to defeat the likes of reigning world champion Casey Stoner will keep Rossi’s motivation stimulated to prolong his career beyond 2008.

Brivio added: “I think having a great rider to fight with like Casey is good for him. Also the newcomers like Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo makes it very exciting.

“We have not won for the last two years and the level of competition is very high with a lot of talented riders, especially Casey who was impressive last season.

“But it is very stimulating for Valentino to try and fight with them.”