Rossi backs India GP
Added on Monday, January 11th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Rossi backs India GP
Valentino Rossi believes that India should soon become a calling point on the MotoGP calendar to reflect the nation’s growing motorcycle market.
With leading manufacturers, most recently Ducati, increasingly seeing India as a lucrative growth market, for both sales and manufacturing, Rossi believes that there is an appetite in the country for top class motorcycle racing and would welcome the concept of an Indian Grand Prix.
Speaking at a Yamaha promotional event at the 10th Auto Expo in New Delhi, Rossi said: “Racing in a Grand Prix in India, well I hope to, if there is one in India.”
Construction on a new circuit, some 50km from the Indian capital New Dehli, is already underway with hopes of attracting a Formula One Grand Prix from 2011.
“This is my first trip to India and I am very surprised that people recognise me. It feels great and the experience has been wonderful,” the 30-year-old added.
Just two days into his trip and Rossi added he has been left quite amazed by the traffic in the capital.
“There is lot of traffic and confusion. Actually, it’s interesting. With this kind of traffic, I think people should use more bikes because it will be easier to negotiate the routes,” he quipped.
Rossi also had a few tips on road safety for bikers in India.
“I always use the bike to go around in Italy and I always wear a helmet. I say, concentrate hard when you are driving a bike, don’t think of other things and be attentive to what is happening around you. Care for fellow bikers and others on the road, it’s very important,” he said.
