I’ll be too old for Formula One: Rossi

Road traffic in India was “interesting” he said,but when asked by Abraham to advise Indian bikers to always wear a helmet,Rossi laughed about how in Italy they never wore helmets either till a few years ago. “Another similarity between our countries is pedestrians suddenly coming onto the road when you’re riding. It makes me mad,” Rossi laughed.

There was time also to touch upon the rivalries he has had over the years,and now with his Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo. Abraham: “We hate it even if you lose to your team mate…” Rossi: “Especially if I lose to my team mate!”

Rossi elaborated on how the rivalry had made both him and Lorenzo more competitive. “The other teams are centered on one rider,with the second one as support. Yamaha are the only team where both riders compete for the world championship. It works out great for us because the last two seasons I have won and Lorenzo has finished fourth and second respectively. I think that is what ensures Yamaha winning the constructors’ championship.”

There are no plans of a Formula One anymore,Rossi said,despite the various tests for Ferrari and the rumours as recently as September last year. “I think I’ll be too old to race in Formula One by the time I’m done with bikes,” the 30-year-old said. “So I think my future will have to be in rallying instead.”