Marco Bezzecchi
Davide Brivio spoke about the conversations he had with Suzuki over the possibility of signing Valentino Rossi.
Rossi is perhaps the greatest talent in MotoGP history. However, near the end of his career, he found himself frustrated with his situation.
By 2011, Rossi was riding for Ducati and not having a great time. The team’s set-up and their performance on the track were not up to his high standards.
What is your favourite bike from Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP career?
Rossi wouldn’t celebrate anything but the best, which is why his tenure with Ducati was so frustrating, given he went winless in his two seasons with them.
But Valentino Rossi wasn’t ready to throw in the towel, searching for a new team in 2013. Suzuki approached Davide Brivio to help sign him, but made one mistake in the process.
READ MORE: Alvaro Bautista claims Valentino Rossi ‘changed the mindset’ of what being a MotoGP rider meant
Davide Brivio reveals why Valentino Rossi rejected Suzuki in 2014 despite Ducati frustration
Speaking in an interview with Moto.it, Davide Brivio was asked about the rumours of him helping Suzuki sign Valentino Rossi as they eyed a return to MotoGP.
Suzuki wanted to sign Rossi for the 2014 season. However, Rossi wanted a seat for the 2013 season and wasn’t particularly enthused about signing with Suzuki, given their issues.
“Not at the end of his career. There was a moment when Suzuki retired at the end of 2011. Then they wanted to come back, and it ended up happening.
“Suzuki contacted me to see if Valentino would be interested in racing with them. I was working with Valentino, and we had the 2011-12 contract with Ducati.
“He was looking for a seat in 2013. He couldn’t wait until 2014. So he said no, we can’t wait until 2014. But then, honestly, at that moment, Suzuki wasn’t really the bike you wanted…
“But Suzuki contacted me to see if Valentino, knowing that he was a bit disappointed with Ducati, said, ‘Maybe, we can offer one.’ There was some contact about this.”
READ MORE: Jim Redman realised he ‘barely understood’ racing when he saw ‘genius’ Valentino Rossi
What would have happened if Suzuki signed Valentino Rossi?
Valentino Rossi used 2013 free agency to return to Yamaha
With Suzuki not an option for him, Rossi found himself leaving Ducati to return to Yamaha, where he experienced the most success in his career.
The legendary Italian rider would spend seven more years with Yamaha, although his championship days were far behind him.
Rossi delayed his retirement for several years, trying to capture the magic he had with Yamaha during his prime, but falling short.
While it was great to see Rossi spend the final few years of his career back at Yamaha, it was clear that his stint there was a way for him to ride off into the sunset.
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