Valentino Rossi’s performance in 2011 and 2012 MotoGP seasons – MotoGP Special
2011 and 2012 were the two most disappointing seasons of Valentino Rossi’s 11-year MotoGP career.
Undoubtedly, Rossi’s decision of switching from Yamaha to Ducati was a major contributing factor which led to the worst championship run by the Italian rider in two consecutive years. The decision of Rossi’s switch came after 2010 Czech Republic Grand Prix
when Rossi announced that he had signed a 2-year contract with Ducati, starting in 2011.
In his 2-year career with Ducati, Rossi could not win even a single Grand Prix. 3 podium finishes out of a total of 35 rounds was all Rossi could achieve in his Ducati years. Standing 7th with 139 points in 2011 and 6th with 163 points, Rossi performance
was no better than that of a pioneer in MotoGP. A 3rd place finish in the 2011 French Grand Prix was Rossi’s best performance in 2011. He started the 2012 season with a 10th position in the Qatar Grand Prix. It took him 4 rounds to get his first podium finish
when he rounded up a silver medal in the French Grand Prix. A silver medal in the San Marino and Rimini’s Grand Prix was the only other performance in 2012 which is somehow worth mentioning.
In contrast to his Ducati career, Yamaha years (2004-2010) were clearly the most successful years for Rossi. He had a splendid run of 4 championship title victories to his name during his 7 year career with Yamaha. Rossi’s sudden switch from Yamaha to Ducati
was shocking news for the MotoGP fans but even worst was his poor performance during both seasons.
Having discussed all that, the question remains, what caused the drastic plummet in Rossi’s performance? Was it the switch to Ducati alone or were there other factors involved as well.
Over the years, Rossi seems to have lost interest in the sport. Ironically criticising the current format of MotoGP, Rossi said in October this year that it had become difficult for him to stay awake or in other words keep his focus. This can very well be
categorised as the major factor to Rossi’s constantly deteriorating performance. May be it was not the switch to Ducati that changed things for Rossi. May be it was the Italians reduced interest.
Rossi’s motivation seems to have waned. He is no more the motivated figure that he once used to be. It seems that the Italian is struggling to find his confidence both on and off the track.
It is about time for Rossi to get his confidence back and shed the pall that has been cast on his career for consecutive 2 years now because MotoGP fans across the globe still follow him and they will love to see the MotoGP star to regain his fame.
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