Friendship is very important to me. With some friends, we've known each other since we were kids and it's a very strong relationship. They always tell me what they think even when I am wrong. It's great to share with them the best moments. I also have many friends in the team, and I like to share my passion with them.

You try to do a technical feature: in front of me I had a strong rider who brakes hard and it's difficult to pass.

I'm Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon.

But I could also start F1 or rallying. I love rallying much more.

In 2002 the Yamaha was at more or less the same level as the Honda, better in some ways, worse in others. But in the winter of last year between 2002 and 2003, Honda made a big step forward and it seemed as if Yamaha couldn't quite match that improvement.

I have designs I like applied to my helmet, motorcycle, riding suits, gloves,and boots. I have a designer friend of mine put the designs on them for me. I think a livery on the helmet is significant in expressing a rider's personality.

Maybe the bike is more dangerous, but the passion for the car for me is second to the bike.