Masao Furusawa Interview: On Visiting Italy, Filippo Preziosi's Samurai Spirit, And Valentino Rossi At Yamaha

Editor's note: The news that the former head of Yamaha's MotoGP program Masao Furusawa had visited Italy to talk to Ducati Corse boss Filippo Preziosi spread like wildfire through the racing world. After initial sightings in Italy of Furusawa, rumors quickly began to spread that the legendary Japanese engineer had been contacted by Ducati to help them fix their troubled Desmosedici, in a bid to keep Valentino Rossi at the factory. The rumors turned out to be true, and so veteran Japanese journalist Akira Nishimura visited Furusawa at his Kyoto home to ask him about the visit. Furusawa explained how he visited Italy at Filippo Preziosi's request, talked of his motorcycle design philosophy, and explains why he decided to turn down Ducati's request for help. Furusawa goes on to talk about visiting Valentino Rossi in Tavullia to discuss his future, and gives his vision of Rossi's chances at Yamaha.

The interview gives a fascinating insight into a key point in motorcycle racing history. It highlights the lengths to which Ducati is willing to go to change their fortunes, and it also highlights interesting aspects of Japanese culture, and the effect they can have on the direction of racing and the individuals involved.

Akira Nishimura: First of all, how long did you go to Italy for?

Masao Furusawa: Almost one week. I returned to Japan on (July) 25th. When I arrived in Italy on the evening of the 19th, I received an e-mail from Yamaha Motor Racing - they seemed to find an article on newspaper about my trip - asking me the purpose, so I replied them that 'I will go sightseeing tomorrow, then see Filippo Preziosi the following day'. Valentino also called me on my cellphone and said he needed to talk, so, I visited his home in Tavullia. I met with Filippo twice and with Vale once during the trip.

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