MotoGP Update: Valentino Rossi rated as one of the best world athletes of the decade likely to miss four races
When we talk about MotoGP, one name that comes into our minds is Valentino Rossi. Rossi has been one of the greatest champions of this sport, as he is the one who is always looked-upon by all the new riders in the game. After a brief spell of bad luck, Rossi reclaimed his title in 2008, and he continued to dominate in the next season as well, by successfully defending his title.
Rossi started the new season again with a win in Qatar, with his real rival to the title and FIAT Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo, in the second place. Everything looked on course for yet another great MotoGP season, but Rossi knew that this title would not come easy, as many riders were already challenging him on the race track.
The challenge came swiftly, as Lorenzo went on top of the standings with a victory in Spanish GP in Jerez. Jorge Lorenzo kept his good form in the French GP, in Le Mans, with a victory over his Italian teammate. The 23 year old Spaniard, however, got the smooth road to the MotoGP title, as Rossi crashed before the Italian GP in Mugello. Dani Pedrosa, the Spanish counterpart of Jorge Lorenzo, won the race in the absence of the defending champion. However, Jorge Lorenzo got the better position in the points table, with a victory in the British GP at Silverstone, and GP at Assen, again in the absence of Valentino Rossi.
Although, during the first three races, Valentino Rossi did well in putting forward the defence of his title, but he did it with a shoulder injury. However, Jorge Lorenzo had him as his opponent, and victory could have been sweeter if he stayed. However, after the accident in Mugello, Valentino Rossi broke his leg and is been termed out for the most part of the MotoGP season.
The absence of Rossi, from the MotoGP arena, is a big blow to the sport and to the young riders, like Lorenzo, who always look towards their biggest idol. Rossi is the 9 time World Champion, and is around for more than a decade. Thus, the young riders grew their love for the sport watching Rossi driving and dominating the arena for a very long time.
Thus, the Spaniard, Jorge Lorenzo expressed his disappointment in the press conference. He said that the winning of the title would have a different meaning if he won it with Rossi racing throughout the season. Now, with Rossi out for a large part of the season, Lorenzo has a clear road ahead towards the title. The only good thing that he can expect this season is to keep on improving as a driver, to get himself ready for the time when Rossi comes back again on the race-track.
There is no doubt that with the absence of Valentino Rossi, MotoGP has become drier. In the last two races, Jorge Lorenzo had comfortable wins, while the rest of the drivers failed to challenge the domination of FIAT Yamaha team. Having a teammate, who has dominated the World of MotoGP for over a decade and competing alongside him, would have been one of the best moments in the life of the Spaniard. While, winning in such a situation would have been the icing on the cake, as this would be a dream of anyone who loves the sport.
Valentino Rossi is expected to come back from injury in August, for the Czech GP. This would mean that he would miss another three races, thus, would not be able to pose any challenge to his FIAT Yamaha teammate, Jorge Lorenzo. Although, Rossi seems confident of his return to the circuit, but it would be difficult to see his progress after the big injury. In addition, it would be hard for Rossi to immediately find back his form, as he would have to work hard to stage a come-back. This season is over for Rossi, so his focus would be on the next season. Jorge Lorenzo would also be able to gain a lot of confidence if he wins the title this season, and he would be well-prepared to challenge Rossi in the next one.
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