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Monday, 1 July, 2002, 12:21 GMT 13:21 UK

Rossi bids for riders' union

Valentino Rossi has called on his MotoGP rivals to set up a body to protect their interests in the sport.

The current world champion insisted the time had come to follow the lead of Formula One racers.

The likes of Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya currently have a Grand Prix Drivers' Association to represent their interests.

Speaking to Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Rossi said: "I think the time has come to set up an organisation to look after the riders.

"I am ready to do it and to take on certain responsibilities.

"We riders must, however, find time to sit around a table to make ourselves heard and our arguments count."

Rossi, the runaway leader in the current championship race, made the remarks after winning his sixth race of the season, in Assen.

But riders, including the Italian, were unhappy after organisers failed to consult them on the start of the race following bad weather.

That wet weather did little to dampen the 23-year-old's enthusiasm for the race as he stuck close to the wheel of Alex Barros before taking the lead with three laps remaining.

It was his fifth consecutive win, stretched his lead in the championship race to 62 points and brought obvious comparisons to Michael Schumacher's current dominance in F1.

But Rossi downplayed any suggestions that his winning ways were making the sport boring.

"Every race has its own story," he said. "Up to now I have won a lot and everything is going very well.

"It is not boring for me. One time I fight with Biaggi, another with Ukawa, on Saturday with Barros. I do my job, I like winning and I hope to carry on like that."


Related to this story:
Rossi on song in Holland (29 Jun 02 | Motorbikes) Da Matta caps good day for Brazil (01 Jul 02 | Motorsport) Rossi snatches pole (27 Jun 02 | Motorbikes)


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