Rossi planning tribute for close friend
Added on Friday, November 4th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Rossi planning tribute for close friend
Valentino Rossi is planning to play tribute to his close friend, Marco Simoncelli, this weekend as the MotoGP season draws to a close in Valencia.
The Ducati rider, who has spent much of the past fortnight with Simoncelli’s family following the tragic events in Malaysia, has pledged to use this weekend’s finale in tribute to his compatriot at what will be a somewhat sombre Grand Prix.
“It’s been difficult,” said Rossi. “I’ve tried to stay as much as possible with Paolo (Simoncelli) and the family of Marco who are my friends.
“The feeling in Italy was unbelievable and great for Marco because a lot of people remembered him from all over Italy and demonstrated they liked him a lot on and off the track. In a bad moment like this the atmosphere was great with a lot of people who wanted to say ciao to Marco. It’s good to be here in Valencia. It’s a strange feeling for everybody but I think it’s the best way to remember Marco.”
Following the race in Valencia, attentions will turn to 2012, when Rossi will test the new 1,000cc Desmesedici.
“On Tuesday we’ll have an important moment for next year because it’s the first time all the 1000cc bikes are on track together,” he added. “We’ll work and we expect we’ll have to fix some problems but it will be interesting to try the new bike together with the Honda and the Yamaha. But first we have the race, we have to concentrate on that and make a good result, especially to remember Marco.”
