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

The work that we do during the winter is very important; we have a new bike and it's important to develop it during this time.

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

Our sport is dangerous. We risk the life out there, so we need to stay calm and focused and leave all the rest out.

Also, when I started racing he knew a lot of people and it was more easy for me to find the first bike, so I have a good chance for sure.

I race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same.