ISTANBUL: World champion Valentino Rossi takes to the grid for his 100th MotoGP here Sunday aiming to pull clear of legendary Australian rider Mick Doohan’s record of 54 GP wins.
The flamboyant Italian, second to compatriot Marco Melandri in Istanbul last year, drew level with Doohan’s mark in Qatar for his first win of the season a fortnight ago.
Rossi though still has some way to go before catching Giacomo Agostini’s all-time record of 68 wins. The Yamaha ace, who is seriously mulling over a switch to Formula One next season, said: “It’s my 100th Premier Class Grand Prix, a good number for me!”
Rossi spoke last week about his possible move to Ferrari’s F1 team next season. “Of course it is a big gamble and a big risk for Ferrari as well, even if not as big as it is for me” he told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport. “We will know something between now and June.”
Rossi, who tested for Ferrari before the start of the season, said: “I honestly don’t know whether there is a signed contract but my wish is to stay with Ferrari.”
Rossi is lying fourth in the driver’s championship on 27 points, 14 shy of pacesetter Loris Capirossi.
