Valentino Rossi's decision to leave Yamaha and join Ducati in 2011 was influenced by a combination of factors. At that time, Rossi had already achieved tremendous success with Yamaha, winning multiple MotoGP World Championships. However, he was facing increasing competition from younger riders like Jorge Lorenzo within the Yamaha team.
Rossi saw the move to Ducati as an opportunity for a new challenge and a chance to prove his skills by helping to develop and improve the Ducati bike. Additionally, Ducati offered Rossi a lucrative contract that included a higher salary and greater control over the development of the bike, which appealed to him.
Furthermore, Rossi was also drawn to Ducati because of its strong Italian heritage and the passion surrounding the brand. Ducati had a reputation for producing powerful and charismatic motorcycles, and Rossi, being Italian himself, likely felt a strong emotional connection to the brand.
Unfortunately, the move to Ducati did not yield the desired results for Rossi. Despite his best efforts and the team's dedication to improving the bike, they struggled to find the right setup and competitive pace. Rossi's time with Ducati was challenging, and he was unable to replicate the same level of success he had enjoyed with Yamaha. Eventually, Rossi returned to Yamaha in 2013, seeking a more competitive package to pursue further championships.