Wednesday Evening Moto News - Rossi and His Future

Valentino Rossi has decided to clam up about his future. After so much talking and so many quotes about what he may do once his contract ends at Yamaha, he has decided to stop talking about it with the media to try to stop the confusion. However, we all know better - it will make little difference, especially with the Italian press. At least he has recognized how much press his future is getting and is simply decided to focus on his job - and no one should have a problem with that!

http://tinyurl.com/yhpmo6q

And, More Morning Moto News - Alitalia and MotoGP

The Aprilia World Superbike team has secured sponsorship from Italian airline Alitalia. It was an inside deal, though, as the CEO or Piaggio (who owns Aprilia) is also CEO of Alitalia. However, it is good to see more sponsorship in the motorcycle racing world - there is not near enough money there these days.

http://tinyurl.com/y8foxc5

And, we have a nice piece on Valentino Rossi and his forays into the four-wheeled racing world. Full disclosure - I wrote it! So, please take the link below and go and have a quick read. I enjoyed writing it and I truly believe that Rossi will be in WRC and not F1, unless he encounters something - like tons of money - and changes his mind.

http://tinyurl.com/y9xvklf

More Friday Morning Moto News - Rossi, Aprilia and Charley Boorman

As if we did not already know this - if you are a fan and you pay attention at all, this is common knowledge - an article is stating that Valentino Rossi would rather race in the World Rally Championship than take a seat in Formula 1. They just keep asking him the same questions over and over again, and it never seems to annoy him. Rossi is a respectful guy and we may yet see him behind the wheel of a WRC car within the next few years.

http://tinyurl.com/ygwaf66

Now on to a quick test of the sweet two-stroke Aprilia RS125. Alex Gobert took a Biaggi replica version out for a roaring ride and found that the little machine is one hell of a fun bike. It is well-made and it looks fantastic in any setting. The bike is good for new riders and old timers at the same time. Of course, in the US it would be a track-only machine, but I still want one!

http://tinyurl.com/yfeospb

Take a ride with Charley Boorman through Africa! He is taking a tour group - with rented BMW R1200GS or 650GS motorcycle from Capetown, South Africa, all the way up to Victoria Falls in Zambia. It is a pricey trip, but everything is provided and you don't have to worry about anything on the trip but having fun and enjoying the exotic scenery! Have a look...

http://tinyurl.com/yzvbf82

Valentino Rossi to Drive WRC Car at Bologna Motor Show

Rossi will be at it again at the Findomestic Memorial Bettega held at the Bologna Motor Show today and tomorrow. He will drive a Ford Focus RS WRC car against several current World Rally Championship drivers. Along with Rossi, the likes of Andrea Dovizioso, Mattia Pasini, Andrea Iannone and Loris Reggiani will all be in attendance and will compete in a drifting competition. A must see for Italian racing fans!

http://tinyurl.com/yz2ycyv

Rossi to Drive in Mexican World Rally Championship Round

Rossi will be - once again - getting behind the wheel of a WRC racer - a Ford Focus. He is doing this due to the rule change in 2011, which will disallow him to do it again...

http://tinyurl.com/yhn7llu

Paul Bird to Race in World Rally Championship in Spain

It is the final race of the WRC series and will be held in Spain, but to Paul Bird it is simply a car race. He runs the World Superbike Kawasaki team in that series and has decided to take some time away from the bikes and run in a rally car over the 2 - 4 October 2009 event.

http://tinyurl.com/yaadozk