The 2021 MotoGP season has only just begun, but there is already so much to talk about. Like the troubles Valentino Rossi went through or the return of Marc Marquez after nine months of inactivity due to an arm injury. These are two of the topics that Kevin Schwantz will talk about as a guest at the Tank Slappers Podcast from Autosport.
The Texas Champion started talking about the Doctor.
“I am worried about Valentino. I don’t like to see him that far back“He admitted. “In Qatar it looked like he could qualify a little better, but in Portugal and Jerez he really had problems. Maybe he doesn’t feel comfortable on the bike. Maybe there is something new about the Yamaha that is better for the other riders. I’m sure number 46 will be able to fight again. “
Kevin is confident in Rossi, but he also knows how difficult it is for a driver of his level to handle such a complicated situation.
“Valentino is a rider and that is one of the hardest things to deal withh ”he continued. “I remember the first two races in 1995. It was really tough not being able to fight for the podium or the win as I was used to. Racing is fun when you can win. If you can’t, it is no more. Maybe going back to the familiar tracks will help him, but even as the bike evolves, he’ll be the last to receive the new parts. He’s definitely not having fun. “
Schwantz isn’t that surprised by Marquez’s cautious return.
“You have to work on the speed and acceleration of a MotoGP. In Jerez he landed in a similar position as in Portugal. It’s a sign that he needs more time,” he explained. “You can’t wait to sit still for a year and then immediately return to your level. When I’ve driven races, when I’ve lost a race or two to an injury. When I got back it would take me two or three times longer to be one hundred percent again. Your mind also needs to get used to the speed, as does your body. It will be difficult for him, but if anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Marc. “
The Honda seems to be lost without its leader.
“Maybe without Marc the development stalled a bit. I do not know. But even with Marquez in top form, he was the only one who could drive the Honda like that. Maybe it’s a bike for him. I do not know,“he stated.
Kevin also talked about Pedro Acosta, who claimed the Texan was his idol.
“Pedro is really a talent. Nobody had ever done what they did. He is great. I want to see him on a bigger bike as soon as possible. The best advice I can give him is to keep having fun. In order to shine in this sport, you have to give everything in preparation. You always have to do better, ”said Schwantz.