Rossi to CRT

What were you thinking?
August 03, 2012
Inside sources close to seven-time MotoGP World Champion and current Ducati MotoGP rider, Valentino Rossi, say he’s close to announcing his imminent return to the factory Yamaha squad for the 2013 MotoGP season.
Originally thought to be a match made in heaven, Rossi, 33, has had a challenging last two seasons with the Bologna, Italy-based Ducati team. To date, it’s been the only machine he hasn’t been able to win on, with best finishes being a third and second at Le Mans, France in ’11 and ’12, respectively. This creates a huge dilemma for Ducati as to who should fill Rossi's vacant seat.
Rossi rode for the Japanese brand for seven years and netted four championships. It’s said the Italian superstar will take a significant pay cut to join the team and will be filling the seat vacated by American rider, Ben Spies. Rossi will once again be teamed with ’10 champ, Jorge Lorenzo, who was a primary factor in his decision to jump ships for two years ago