MotoGP: Valentino Rossi using every available means to improve

For his determination and what could only be called his "love for racing", Valentino Rossi continues to impress. After the frustration of losing the title at the final round of the championship last season, Rossi is far from throwing in the towel and cruising to the end of his career. The nine-time world champion is resolute in using every option in his quest for a tenth title.

The presence of three-time world champion Luca Cadalora in Rossi’s pitbox at Phillip Island is yet another example of this mentality. The presence of Cadalora in the official Yamaha team garage at the MotoGP test garnered attention, as it had been over a decade that the 250cc (1991 and 1992) and 125cc (1986) world champion had traveled to Australia.

The answer to that question came from Rossi himself, who explained that Cadalora was there to lend a hand. "Luca was always a very technical rider," said Rossi. "I met with him lately during the days that the VR46 Academy had run at Misano. We talked a lot and he decided to try to come to Phillip Island and lend a hand at the track.”

Cadalora does the same work on an Italian Supersport team—but of course, the big difference is he is coaching young riders who have much to learn, not something you’d consider for a nine-time world champion. "I've never had anyone doing this work in my career," Rossi explained, with the ease with which he manages these things. "We'll see what plays out. I haven’t made any decision on whether he will be with me all season or not. We’ll see how it goes here and decide."

It continually amazes that at 37 years old, Rossi continues to look for ways to become more competitive. The Italian has said repeatedly in recent weeks that he will decide his future based on how competitive he finds himself during the first third of the season, and in view of the measures he is taking with Cadalora, he clearly wants to put his all eggs in one basket before making a decision.