In 1995, Aprilia sporting director Carlo Pernat saw potential in Valentino Rossi. He saw a 16-year-old Italian boy who had the talent to be a world Champion. Pernat signed Rossi in 1995 and he helped him earn his first World Championship in 1997. But Pernat doesn't see that potential in the current Rossi - Ducati pairing.
Pernat plainly stated that he doesn't believe Rossi is capable of winning a championship with Ducati.
Pernat said: "What is happening now with Valentino and Ducati is something very strange. Now he is like someone I don't know. I was first to sign him in 1995, and he has always spoken the truth, his real feelings. I am surprised to see him in this condition. He is different now... I am 90 percent sure that Valentino will not win another world championship with Ducati. To be in this sh*t situation is very hard for Valentino, for his way of life, for his normal character, and he seems different to me now."
Rossi also seems to be getting a little worn down by his failures with Ducati. After crashing at Phillip Island, Rossi said that he was perplexed by the Ducati machine.
Rossi said:
"I had a better pace than Hayden and Bautista and so I attacked and tried to overtake them... I braked, and was happy enough as I leaned in to the right... but she wouldn't pass and I lost control of the front wheel, fell and fortunately for me, Bautista managed to avoid me.
"I took the turn at the usual speed and with my usual angle, it should have been easy and I can't understand it.
"I have to drive giving 70% because I don't trust the bike, and as well as that, I'll fall. I just can't do it, my style won't adapt to it; it isn't a question of bad luck, it's that there are problems we just can't solve."
Rossi will be with Ducati for at least one more season. Will the Doctor return to greatness?
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