Valentino Rossi’s long farewell to his fans would have been a bit melancholy, the Italian multiple champion was seventeenth 34 seconds behind the winner – his protégé Peak Bagnaia – if it weren’t for the ironic streak of the Pesaro man. Vale even managed to make us smile yesterday in the history of what was undoubtedly a difficult race for him.
“With yesterday’s crash I started 23rd, then there was some contact and confusion at Turn 4 and at the end of the lap I was last. The pace was decent though, so I recovered, overtaking Dovizioso, Oliveira, Morbidelli, Petrucci , so much so that at one point while crossing the finish line I expected to read P3 on the blackboard … in view of the drivers I had overtaken, but instead I was only 19th… ”.
What can you say to a driver who manages to joke about a disappointing present after 9 titles but can’t make people forget about the past?
“The fact is that in these races it is more difficult at the rear than staying in front – said Rossi – I lost a lot of time because of the starting position, but it was just as nice to see so many fans who I would like to thank for their support. I wanted to give them a better race and tried so hard that I went under twice on Saturday … For the drivers, racing in front of the fans is life changing. When we drove on empty circuits, I asked myself why? ”.
Meanwhile, time goes on, unshakable to human affairs. The clock doesn’t stop, the hands turn and there are only four Grand Prix left until the end of a world championship in which Quartararo and Bagnaia are fighting for the title today.
“I didn’t watch Pecco’s races on the big screen, there aren’t any to be seen here at Misano, but I saw him cheering on the lap of honor. Aragon’s win also released him mentally, it’s a shame that he lost so many points. It would be a Fight with Quartararo until the end. “
Even if it gets difficult, there is actually still hope for Pecco and Ducati …
“Italy in MotoGP is in a good position even without me and that is positive – analyzes Rossi – Pecco will fight for the world championship next year and he will do so again this year. In 2022 there will also be Morbidelli, with my brother Luca and Bezzecchi on the track, even if his entry into the MotoGP team is not yet official. And then there’s Bastianini: he’s not our driver, but he drives like a devil and also set the fastest lap at Misano. He will have a great future ”.
Valentino knows Bagnaia very well. In Misano, the two often ride their respective super sports racing bikes together.
“Yes, we drive together, Pecco drives the Panigale well, Luca is fast too. The Ducati is faster than the R1, but last year Bagnaia took its handling to a higher level. “
This is undoubtedly also due to the academy …
“Today was a good day for the guys from the Academy: there was a double podium with Antonelli and Migno. I’m happy for both of them, especially for Migno, he needed it, then he looked good on the podium with the orange wig … And then there was this second victory in a row for Pecco and the two pole positions. Aside from that, two victories won by leading the race from start to finish. When I feel them mine too? No, we don’t think it’s our win, but we’re proud to have got him out of Moto3, and if we ask him something, he is always ready to answer ”.
In just one day, Vale will be back on track for the two days of testing on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“But I will only do one test day because we have nothing to test! I’ll be working on the bike’s balance and tires to prepare for Austin. Here we meet again for Misano 2, but on a difficult date: At the end of October it could be very cold, or it could rain, or it could even be a beautiful day. We will have to be lucky. The next race, on the other hand, will take place in Austin, a track that I like. “
This continues the long farewell to the most successful Italian rider of the last twenty years.
“On the one hand it’s beautiful, it’s very emotional: the last lap here was fantastic too. I’ve received incredible support in my long career, it’s really moving. You never left me even in difficult times.” I’m sorry for the fans because I want to be more competitive … I’m doing my best … I’m sorry, I’m sorry – Rossi repeats twice and there is only one conclusion – It’s wonderful to see all that yellow ”.