It is true that almost everything has been decided by now, but the Valencia MotoGP weekend is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a great party to greet Valentino Rossi’s farewell. Today in the paddock of the Ricardo Tormo circuit practically nothing else was talked about and if there is anyone who could not exempt himself on this front it is certainly Francesco Bagnaia, flagship of the VR46 Riders Academy with its three victories and the chevrons of vice-world champion.
“I was lucky enough to be in MotoGP when he was still racing too. I also won my first race with him on the track, so I have to thank him for the work we have done together, also for the Academy. part of his life, we train together. I had this luck, but today is definitely a tough day, even if it is clear that sooner or later it should have arrived. I am convinced that no one will ever forget what he did for MotoGP, “he said. Bagnaia during the press conference that opened the weekend of the Valencian Community Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider does not believe that there will be repercussions on the work of the Academy with Rossi’s farewell to the races. “Since the pandemic, our preparation has changed because everything was closed: we trained in the morning and Valentino was at home. In practice, we had already started to ‘separate’. It is clear that for the gym it will not be a problem, but on the bike he will train more, because he will have time for us (laughs). Joking aside, I don’t think he will change much. “
When asked if he would let Rossi pass in case there was an opportunity to make him make a last podium, he added: “I think he is satisfied with what he did anyway. Maybe we should let him pass after the finish line and escort him on the lap. of honor! “, he said, thus proposing something similar to the treatment that was reserved for Fernando Alonso in Abu Dhabi on the occasion of his first retirement from Formula 1.
As mentioned, even if it seems almost a side dish to Rossi’s party, there is also a Grand Prix to be played and Valencia is usually a track that does not do very well for both Pecco and Ducati, who will have to try to defend the 28 points. margin on Yamaha to take home the Team title as well as the Constructors one.
Without forgetting that the Piedmontese has an open streak of five pole positions and that he has just returned from three wins in the last five races, which could have been four without the crash at Misano. The idea of continuing this trend also in Valencia is stimulating, but above all it would be an important signal for the future.
“I’ve never made the podium in Valencia, so I wish I could be fast here too. It’s the last of the season and I’d like to continue with the excellent work we’re doing. I’d like to repeat myself, I feel good on the bike, in the last weekend I have I improved in all the sessions, I was fast and consistent. I would like to be competitive here, where last year was a disaster and also in 2019 I crashed at the pit lane exit. The goal is to be competitive and fast “, he concluded.
Valentino Rossi, Petronas Yamaha SRT
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
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