Rossi “wouldn’t object” to CRT ride
Added on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Rossi “wouldn’t object” to CRT ride
Valentino Rossi has claimed that he would not have a problem with taking a CRT ride next season if it meant he could remain in MotoGP, but has admitted that the concept has not excited those in the paddock.
CRT bikes, which are allowed to use production-based engines in a prototype chassis, have been introduced into the championship for 2012 in an attempt to reduce costs for new, “start-up” teams and in turn, boost an increasingly dwindling grid.
The loss of Suzuki for 2012 would have reduced the grid to just 12 riders but, with CRT bikes added to the championship, the opening grid in Qatar could reach a total of 21 riders.
And Rossi has conceded that this is a harsh of reality facing motorsport in the midst of a global economic recession, saying that he would have no problem riding a CRT bike if costs needed to be cut.
“Speaking to Italian sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rossi said: “With the withdrawal of Suzuki, MotoGP will have only 12 bikes. It’s a little sad and it’s clear that we must use less expensive bikes and if this is the only way I wouldn’t have problems riding a CRT, although no one is excited by this.”
So far Colin Edwards is the most notable rider to sign for a CRT team, with the veteran rider having mixed reviews of his BMW-powered Suter machine.
Anthony West, a former MotoGP rider with Kawasaki, and British rider James Ellison, who spent two seasons in MotoGP from 2005 to 2006, are also signed up with CRT teams.
Rossi however does hope that he will see improvements in his own bike in 2012, following a disappointing first season with Ducati.
“It’s probably been, actually it’s definitely been, the worst season of my career,” he said, referring to 2011. “What would I like Father Christmas to bring me? A competitive GP12.”
