Valentino Rossi is looking for his heir. That was apparent Wednesday when the nine-time world champion launched Sky Racing Team VR46, a Moto3 squad for 2015 that features young riders Romano Fenati and Andrea Migno.
“These two young riders represent the future of the motorsport,” said Rossi. “One year ago, we started this new challenge in the Moto3 World Championship thanks to our partnership with Sky, the TV and media company that holds the MotoGP rights.”
“The 2014 season was one of mixed feelings,” recalled Rossi. “Romano did very well in the first part of the season but he struggled in the second part. He claimed four victories and six podium finishes, and this year he can do well. We hope he can me more consistent.”
Fenati will be joined by Andrea Migno, who will be taking part in his first full season of Moto3. Also joining the team is manager Pablo Nieto, who had previously spent three seasons in charge of the Laglisse team that won the 2013 Moto3 championship.
Migno said he aims to finish in the top 10. To which Rossi chimed in: “I finished 9th in my 125cc debut season back in 1996, but I claimed one victory!”
Rossi’s friend, Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, together with Nieto (son of 13-time world champion Angel Nieto), is responsible for the organization of the team. But the support of Rossi is vital.
“During a race weekend I like to go on track to watch the guys in the practice sessions. I can help them technically, giving them some advice about lines and so on. Then, on Sunday, I watch the race from the signaling wall,” Vale continued. “It’s the perfect way to enter into the racing mood. It’s pure adrenaline even from the other side.”
The 19-year-old Sky Racing Team riders have the privilege of learning directly from the master who has put at their disposal a professional structure that will once again be using the KTM RC250GP to mount a title challenge.
While Rossi is nurturing future world champions with his Sky Racing Team VR46, he still keeps his focus on the competitive 2015 MotoGP season.
"With Jorge and Dani , we will have to do our best to put Marquez under pressure," said the Yamaha MotoGP rider about the coming season that starts March 29 in Qatar. "We have to avoid what happened last year, when he won the first 10 races."
“Jorge trained a lot this winter and he is ready to fight. Dani changed some members of his team and he is very motivated.” And what about Rossi? “I’m very excited and optimistic. In the last Sepang tests, the M1 has improved and also the new seamless gearbox worked well. Honda has also improved, and the situation is similar to the second part of the 2014 season, when Marc—who continues to be the favorite contender for the title—won the last two races but we fought hard until the checkered flag.”
Added Rossi: "It will be an exciting season, and we will see more battles on track. Ducati has made an important step forward in the race pace, and they can count on the soft tire for a single lap."
At the press introduction, Rossi was on stage with his two riders and Italian singer Cesare Cremonini, who dedicated a song, “46”, to his friend Valentino. The song will become the hymn of the Sky Racing Team VR46. “I’m passionate about motorsports,” said Cremonini. “And thinking about how Valentino cheers up his guys before the race, that’s like Mick Jagger coming to support me before a concert.”