On the eve of the Rally du Monza, Valentino Rossi was a guest on the ‘Deejay Chiama Italy’ (Deejay Calling Italy) programme hosted by Linus and Nicola Savino. The Doctor chatted with the two disc jockeys, sharing a few interesting facts about the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing World Championship and participating in a bit of banter.

However, he did not shy away even from the more ‘technical’ questions, like those about his new teammate, Maverick Viñales.

“I didn’t choose him. Someone a bit older would have been better, like Pedrosa - he laughed – I thought I had a smaller problem, but instead, after the first tests I realised that it will be more or less the same.”

The reference was for Jorge Lorenzo, with whom he did not always have a rosy relationship.

“With Lorenzo, our relationship deteriorated at the end of 2015. We had a rather heated argument and from there our relationship never really took off again - he recounts - But after the Valencia race, we embraced in the garage and he told me that he has always respected me. It was a nice moment.”

Only Marquez was missing from the list.

“Fortunately, he is not my teammate, but I think he demonstrated quite a few things with the end of the 2015 championship - was the dart thrown at Marc - We will have only a normal working relationship and one of mutual respect. As a rider, he is very good. He never gives up and he has riding skills typical of the new generation.”

In closing, a few words about his school, the VR46 Riders Academy.

“It gives me a great feeling to work with the young guys. I didn’t think it would. I am very much at ease with them and that is something that worries me, because I am about twenty years older than they are”, he joked.

To listen to the complete interview, click HERE.