Well they offered Rossi 17 million euros to stay at Ducati.
however he said its not about the money.
Yamaha wants him but I think he might be looking at Honda.
Rossi has corrected these numbers, and said that the Ducati offer is less than He is making this year. I believe this number to be a little exaggerated.
Rossi said it himself... Rossi wants the "titles on 3 brands", but I think Rossi also realizes that He is older and may not have the time to wait for Ducati to pull their head out. Even with Audi's help... it may be a gamble... and it may take a bit if it does turn around.
Why not? From what I understand it'd essentially be a bike full of Rossi's sponsors, set up exactly how he wants it, with factory support, on either the 1st or 2nd best bike on the grid.. Not a bad option considering where he sits right now..
Perhaps it is not just about Rossi himself? or His sponsors... perhaps the wait has something to do with Burgess? I have read about the Yamaha offer. Far less money for Rossi... may not get to bring his "team" with him... and He "will" have to bring some sponsors for sure. Just maybe, Burgess is thinking about retirement... and Rossi is spending this time arranging the "team" that will be working with him? I do think that Rossi's riding style will fit the M1 , more so than the Honda.. but these are just my thoughts...
But.... will he beat Jorge on a Yamaha?
.
good question... I think that Rossi would have a hard time indeed. But that said, I'd like to see it. No more blaming the bike... and Rossi was recently interviewed and He was quoted as to say that Yamaha made the right choice when they decided that Jorge would be their "#1" guy. Rossi also said that being "#2" is something that is causing some thought.
I do believe that if Rossi can't bring Burgess with him to Yamaha, even if Rossi wants to pay for Burgess himself... that may be part of the problem as well. Would be interesting to see if Burgess retires... perhaps we will hear a bit of that info when Rossi announces His decision?
I would like to see Rossi on the M1... and teamed up with Jorge. I think it will be a good move for Rossi to accept being the #2 guy... and to be able to show what He's got left on a sorted bike.
Could end up being a challenge as large as staying with Ducati and waiting for their shit to get together.
the big difference? No more being able to blame the bike.
I think that Rossi would do well on the M1... but to beat Jorge?... Rossi's "team" will be very important as well. A very tall order, but I want to see Rossi go for it.
If Rossi gets on the M1 and is able to give Jorge a run for it? That would do a lot for Rossi's legacy, but it would not be so good for Ducati's.
I do not see Rossi doing anything on the Ducati... nor anyone else for a while.. my $.02.