Quote:
Originally Posted by sqd8r
Bold #3 - Rossi left because of the control Honda had over his life. Yes he left for the challenge but lets be clear it was a calculated move which brought not only Rossi but the majority of his multiple title winning Honda team including the winningest team manager in Moto GP, J. Burgess.
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That is debatable. Rossi himself has stated numerous times that the main reason he left was because he wasn't being challenged and had become bored. He claims if he had stayed at Honda he would have retired from motorcycle racing within a couple years. He also points to the fact he was tired of people claiming his winning was due to the bike, and wanted to prove the rider is more important than the bike. I am sure the atmosphere at HRC played a big role, but the lack of challenge and desire to prove his success wasn't due to the bike is what he himself always points to as the primary reasons for the move. Of course, I am sure some of those explanations are calculated on his part to ensure his legacy in motorcycle racing. I agree with your main point though...if he and Burgess didn't think the Yamaha had great potential they never would have gone there.