Let’s make it clear from the start. I am a HUGE Rossi fan. But that doesn’t mean I have to be biased.
I purposely extended my stay in Kuala Lumpur by an extra day so that I can be at the Sepang circuit to watch him race and cheer him on. The championship fight this year has been very exciting and Rossi went to Sepang, the penultimate race, with an 11 point advantage against title rival, Jorge Lorenzo.
Excited to be at the circuit to witness first-hand what is expected to be an amazing race.
What happened on lap 7 at Sepang tainted the championship battle. The paddock and MotoGP fans across the world are now divided in their opinion.
VR46 vs. MM93
Do I still support Rossi? Hell, YES.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I am not an expert in motorcycle racing and the mechanics behind these mean machines. I just enjoy watching the races and admire the racers bravery and determination to win.
At first, I thought that Rossi did kick Marquez. The big screen showed that. Rossi turned around several times as if to warn Marquez to butt off and a few seconds later, it showed Rossi’s foot flicked and Marquez went down.
Rossi’s lonely ride after Marquez crashed out.
Everyone was shocked. Rossi’s fan (mostly) cheered.
The race went on with the big screen showing replay of the incident over and over again. By that time, Pedrosa and Lorenzo were too far ahead for Rossi to catch up and he rode a lonely ride to finish third.
Riders doing the victory lap.
Podium finishers – and where is Lorenzo? Such poor sportsmanship.
After the race, my brother and I surfed the internet to check whether there will be any penalty imposed on Rossi. No news yet. It looked imminent although we agreed that Marquez was provoking Rossi. Rossi clearly got increasingly frustrated – totally understandable. It seems crazy though that Rossi would kick Marquez’s bike. We’re talking about a MotoGP bike here. Whatever it is, in my mind, Marquez has broken the unwritten rule to RESPECT another rider fighting for the championship when he is no longer in contention.
Perhaps what happened on the track was the better outcome. Everyone can see that it was only time before a rider, if not both were to crash out and for it to happen at slow pace was probably an angel in disguise.
We all know now what happened later.
Not only did Rossi explain he did NOT kick Marquez, the aerial footage backed up his claim. Still, Rossi got a three point penalty and with the one he already received in Misano, made it a total of four and relegated him to the back of the grid for the final race in Valencia on 8 November. The Race Direction did decide that both riders were at fault but no sanction was handed to Marquez.
Although after the race Rossi was quoted saying that his championship battle is over, (which he later corrected to say: very difficult), he is a true racer at heart and to be a nine time world champion, he must surely have the determination of steel. I am sure he will come back fighting at Valencia.
So, back to my earlier question. Can the GOAT win?
Mathematically, he is still in contention and anything can happen. Rossi still has a 7 point advantage against Lorenzo going to Valencia. There is still a chance and it will be exciting to watch him use that frustration and anger to work his way from the back of the grid and see him clinch the world title one more time.
He is nicknamed the GOAT after all.
My undivided support to you @valeyellow46.
I will be glued to the telly next Sunday for sure. But for now, I am off to witness what is promised to be a great RWC final between All Blacks and the Wallabies. May the best team win.