MotoGP: Valentino Rossi happy going solo

Valentino Rossi has spoken of his delight at being in a ‘one-man’ factory Yamaha team for the 2008 MotoGP world championship.

Although Rossi will run under the Fiat Yamaha banner with double world 250 champion Jorge Lorenzo, a dividing wall will split the garage with the Italian and Spaniard running on different tyre brands.

The split means that Rossi and his team have no need for any communication with Lorenzo, with rumours Rossi was reluctant to have the former Fortuna Aprilia rider in the factory garage.

The 28-year-old told MCN: “I have what I want and I like this situation because we are just one team with less people, but all the people I like working with me. The atmosphere is beautiful.”

The atmosphere in the team, coupled with Bridgestone tyres and an improved Yamaha YZR-M1 machine, has rejuvenated Rossi in winter testing.

And he said he was beginning to enjoy riding again after a torrid 2007. “Now I am happy riding my bike and this is very important for me. I enjoy the tyres and the bike and this is really important for the rider. I feel strong and ready to fight,” added Rossi, who this week finally settled his multi-million pound tax probe with Italian authorities.

The seven-times world champion has agreed to pay out £26m and will quit his London home to move back to Italy on a permanent basis.