Kevin Schwantz: Valentino Rossi transformed MotoGP™

The official Australian Grand Prix podcast In the Fast Lane has released its latest episode, featuring 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

Schwantz joined In the Fast Lane co-hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen to talk about the 2021 season, Valentino Rossi's impact on MotoGP™ over the past 25 years and predict five young riders who have the potential to win a MotoGP™ title in the next five seasons.

Kevin Schwantz retired in 1995, one year before Rossi started racing 125s. Rossi has two more races to go before he hangs up the helmet and Schwantz believes The Doctor’s incredible career changed MotoGP™.

“I mean you have got to give him (Rossi) all the credit for where the sport has gone in the past fifteen or twenty years,” said Schwantz.

“When I first met him in 89 away from the track, he was just an enthusiastic and energetic kid. He just wanted to do anything that was competitive on a motorcycle, go-kart, or a snowmobile,” he continued.

Gazing into his crystal ball, Schwantz discussed his thoughts on which riders will challenge for a future MotoGP™ World Championship… one of his top picks is Aussie Remy Gardner.

“I think he’ll hold on and he’ll still win the (Moto2) championship and I’m really excited to see him on a MotoGP bike for sure.”

The podcast is available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts platforms.