Rossi: Pedrosa will be bigger threat than Lorenzo

Speaking to Spanish media as part of the run-up to this coming weekend’s Spanish MotoGP round at Jerez, Rossi said: “At this moment in the season and the championship... I believe that, by the time we get to the end of this year and the fight for the title is near then the biggest threat will come from Pedrosa.

“I always have spoken well of Pedrosa because I was fan of his when he raced in the 125 and 250 classes. I liked the way he rode the bikes and his style. Of course, later we have become rivals, so no longer I can be admiring him. I believe that he has had a little bad luck so far since coming into MotoGP. In 2006 he was not ready to win; in 2007 the difference between Bridgestone and Michelin was too great.

“This season will be a little difficult for him, although I continue thinking that he is one of the strongest riders of all of them in the class.”

Rossi went on to say that although he is being tagged as one of the old men of the class his advancing years (now 29) certainly haven’t diminished his desire to lift the crown this year: “Even though I am 29 and there are people saying that makes me old I have to say that while many are wishing that, they will have to still wait for a little for me to slow down. “I am happy to continue being very fast.”

Rossi also said that chasing Stoner for the title has put a different perspective on his paddock life so far this season, adding: “Not to win has a very high price. When one gets the wins it’s a little calmer, more relaxed, more secure life in the paddocks.

“That is to say, when I do not win it is much more difficult to be the Valentino Rossi that I like to be. But at least now I have solved all my problems away from the track. I have obtained what it wanted, which was to return in Italy. Yes, I am less rich... but I am well, I am contented and I can work with the people who I like.”