Lorenzo: Rossi not a god

The 22-year-old Spaniard, Fiat Yamaha team-mate to world champion Valentino Rossi, could never be accused of lacking self-confidence, individuality or talent.

Second in the championship before this weekend's British Grand Prix at Donington Park, the shaven-headed Majorcan is making Rossi sweat as the 30-year-old Italian's toughest team-mate yet.

After last weekend's German Grand Prix, with 'The Doctor' beating Lorenzo into second place by less than a tenth of a second, Rossi described him as a "tough nut with enormous talent" and Sunday should see another hard fight.

"I like strong personalities, I don't like people who say always yes," the double 250cc world champion told Reuters when asked about his admiration for former Manchester United great Cantona.

"I never just follow the winner of a sport, I always follow someone special, someone who gives me some special emotion," added the rider who broke both his ankles in crashes last season.

"I like those who say no. Eric was a strong character who said no. He was arrogant, and maybe some parts of his character are not a great example, but his qualities make me follow him."

In his recent biography, the rider declares the book 'How To Win Friends and Influence People' as a favourite. Rossi is not a target, however.

In his view, when the champion allows a rider to become his friend it is because he does not consider him a threat.

Lorenzo remains a fan of Italian Max Biaggi, Rossi's sworn enemy on and off the track in the early years of the decade.

He also respects compatriot Sete Gibernau, another of Rossi's past foes, although he will not say what advice the Catalan has given him.

"To be honest, I don't focus on Valentino Rossi," said the Spaniard when asked about the duel that has captivated television audiences in Spain and Italy.

"I respect him very much because I think he's one of the best in history, but I don't think about him.

"We transmit to the media a good image but we are not close friends."

Lorenzo's contract at Yamaha runs out at the end of the season and Honda have expressed a strong interest in signing the youngster. The outstanding rookie of 2008 said he would take his time however, with money not the deciding factor.

"To focus only on the money is a mistake. It's a point of the negotiations but also it is important to feel that you are important in the team, the technical questions," said the Spaniard, who has won 24 grands prix.

"There are a lot of things to see. I don't think this is going to close in one or two weeks.

"The point is how much Yamaha wants me compared to the other ones," he added.

"I don't know what is going to happen. I am open about all the possibilities. Yamaha have a very competitive bike and a great atmosphere, the team is like a family, but it depends on a lot of things.

"I think the champion of this year and the next years will be the best riders. It doesn't matter which bike they have."

Rossi has won 101 grands prix in an astonishing career and is the team's clear number one but Lorenzo, with two wins this year in nine races, has time on his side.

"It's normal that Yamaha, when they have some new pieces for the bike, give them to him (first). But I am not angry with them because the bike is competitive and with this bike I can win races," he said.

"People see Valentino like a god and it is normal because he is a very special rider and different from others and he won more than 100 races," added the Spaniard. "On the other hand, I don't see him as unbeatable and as a god.

"I know it is a question of work and being quiet and having a clever mind and a matter of time to beat him."