Jerry Burgess: Valentino Rossi tougher to beat in 2009

Valentino Rossi’s legendary Aussie crew chief Jerry Burgess believes the eight-times world champion will be tougher to beat in 2009 than at any other stage in his successful career.

The 29-year-old Italian will be bidding for his seventh premier class world title in 2009 having dominated in 2008 with nine wins to romp to the crown with three races to spare.

And Burgess reckons the Fiat Yamaha rider will provide even tougher opposition next season, with Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa all tipped as title challengers in ’09.

Burgess told MCN: “I think the young guys now realise these wins Valentino has aren’t just numbers, he is actually good. The next five years will be a very good period because there is great potential for Jorge and Casey and some others. But as long as Valentino feels competitive and that he’s enjoying it, he’ll race at the front.

“We will never see him riding around to make up the numbers and finishing off the podium if he has a competitive bike. He’ll be as strong as ever next year.”

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