I'm lucky because I don't feel too much pressure - it's only in the last hour before the race, and even then it's good, positive pressure..

Friendship is very important to me. With some friends, we've known each other since we were kids and it's a very strong relationship. They always tel….

The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, a….

I feel 100% a Yamaha rider in my heart. I had a long career and raced with several factory bikes, but the highlight of my career is undoubtedly with ….

To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike..

Luck is one thing. It has always been there, it has always been a part of my success. It's a part of everyone's success. Without it, you can't be suc….

I have always challenged myself and it's also important to learn from the rivals. Every rider has his own style, and you have to count on some elemen….

I try to have a different relationship with the bike. I don't give it a name, but I always speak with it. I don't know if the other riders do the sam….

Motivation is the key. More than training, more than experience or age, motivation counts. You have to ask yourself: 'Why am I racing?' I race becaus….

You need to realise that, if you want to go on, you have to work hard. If you dwell too much on your past successes and say "well, I have won nine wo….

I am still here because I like to prove myself. I still like to ride the bike on track and enjoy the races. I still have good reasons to be in racing….

I am focused on racing. I enjoy it. It's a great feeling to be back fighting for the title..

My approach to the races hasn't changed in my 20-year career. If I have the chance to attack and to pass, I do it, trying to get the best possible re….

To win the Championship in the first year will be hard. We need time to become competitive and win races..

I'm Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon..

I would have probably stolen cars - it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing..

Maybe the bike is more dangerous, but the passion for the car for me is second to the bike..

The speed is something dangerous but very exciting..

Our sport is dangerous. We risk the life out there, so we need to stay calm and focused and leave all the rest out..

Giving yourself threads doesn't mean you don't believe in yourself in my opinion..

The great fights with your strongest rivals are always the biggest motivation. When you win easily it's not the same taste..