HE’S A SEVEN TIME MotoGP World Champion and the undisputed GOAT.
So you’d think Rossi’s pre-race routine would be fairly straightforward, right? Wrong. In an interview with Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa on RAI, the 39-year-old has revealed the ‘romantic’ measures he takes before each race, in order to keep on top of his game.
But the object of affection isn’t his leggy model girlfriend. Far from it in fact. The Yamaha rider likes to spend the run up to the race whispering sweet nothings to his motorcycle.
"I keep all the Yamahas with which I have won world titles,” he revealed
“Before each race I spend around 40 minutes around the bike, I speak to it, almost like were are on a date.”
And the tactic must work, because last season Rossi bagged a third place podium finish, and despite the big 4-0 fast approaching, he shows no sign of slowing down.
"February 16, I turn 40? Needless to say, I would never have thought of racing that long,” he said.
“But I never asked myself if I would race until I was 40 because it was always my dream to be a motorcyclist.
“Maybe others will do it in the future, but the important thing is to remain competitive.
“When I signed in March 2018 I thought that the two-year contract would lead me to run at age 40, and the thought of doing it was there.
“I am convinced, if we can improve the bike we can be strong.”
