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Rossi is Free as a Bird

Obviously this is not something that Ezpeleta really thinks is “great.” In the Spanish text he actually replied with the words “Me encanta” (more or less meaning it is an exciting idea, I approve, and literally meaning “I am charmed by the idea). The truth is that the MotoGP contracts, at least the last time I saw one (they are confidential) prohibits MotoGP riders from riding a MotoGP bike “or any bike said to be a MotoGP bike” at any non-MotoGP races.

But that would not be the case here. It cannot be argued either that Rossi could be denied permission to ride at another World Championship event because Rossi has ridden and won the Eight Hours of Suzuki, the Japanese round of the FIM Endurance Championship.

And, finally, why would Yamaha want to stop this (assuming they could)?

Perhaps the corporate fear that the legendary Italian could be beaten in what would unquestionably be the “Race of the Century” by a 39-year-old Australian on a twin cylinder Ducati. Although Ben Spies has been very quick on the R1 in the opening tests both in Portugal and South Africa, the new Yamaha has been down a bit on top speed even compared to the 2008 R1 that was taken to second and third in the final points table by Troy Corser and Noriyuki Haga.

But the second real attraction of a Rossi ride in World Superbike would be the prospect of a match-up with arch rival Max Biaggi on the new, sleek, and very fast Aprilia RSV4.

This “Duel in the Desert,” whether Yamaha really wants it to happen or not, may just be too big to stop.