The feat escaped no one ! 24 days after his double fracture of his right leg, Valentino Rossi came fifth in the Aragon Grand Prix, just 5,8 seconds behind the winner and half a second behind his teammate.
Pressed on all sides by the numerous journalists present in the hospitality of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team, the Italian rider, with great joy, took his time to answer the various questions late Sunday afternoon...
As usual, we report his remarks here, in full and without any journalistic distortion.
Valentino Rossi : “I'm very proud and very happy because a week ago I didn't know if I could run. But we work well. We made the right choice, maybe also risked a bit, but I wanted to try not to lose another race, because the more races you lose, the more time you need to get back to your level.
It was a good weekend because I always felt pretty good on the bike, of course with a little pain, not 100%, but anyway I can ride in a good way. Starting from the front row yesterday was already great. I was very happy.
I knew that today, in the race, it would be more difficult. But, anyway, it was a great race. I had a good start and in the first laps I was strong. I was able to fight for victory with Lorenzo and Marquez. In the second half of the race I knew I would have to suffer. I was more tired than normal, and felt some pain.
We also suffered a bit of rear tire degradation. But regardless, it was a good fight, and getting in the top 5 is honestly a result I didn't expect, and didn't think I could achieve. So it was very good.
Now the work continues because I have two weeks which will be very important for my leg. Because I want to try to work to arrive in Motegi in good shape. For sure, I won't be at my best, but I think I can arrive in good condition. Also, with Motegi, there are three consecutive races. It's a big stress on my body, on my leg, so I have to try to get to a good level. »
Did you have any particular expectations for this weekend and did you think you would be as competitive during the 23 laps? And what about the championship?
" No. On these occasions I think you have to have an open mind because you don't know what will happen. Maybe I get on the bike and I'm not able to ride...
But at the same time, if you don't feel too much pain, you should try to attack as much as possible, right?
So every day it gets better and better. From Friday to Saturday, there was good progress. From yesterday to today, no. I'm starting to feel a little tired and have some pain, but that's normal. Anyway, I can drive at a good level, and I'm very happy because I had a good start and rode well during the race.
Regarding the championship, it makes no difference, even one more point (laughs)! »
Were you able to use a hyperbaric chamber to get in shape today?
" No ! In 2010, the hyperbaric chamber was very important for me in relation to the infection, because the bone was outside. They also told me it was good for closing the fracture. But this time, they told me that it was very important in relation to an infection, but not for the fracture, so I did not do a hyperbaric chamber. And I'm quite happy about it, because when you do the hyperbaric chamber, it's not a good feeling and you don't feel very good. »
After what you did today, do you feel more happy for what you accomplished, or more empowered because of what you could have done if you hadn't been injured?
“From the first moment I was very upset about the injury, especially not being able to race in Misano. I wanted to fight for the championship, maybe until the end. but unfortunately, shit happened. Now I'm happier because I'm back. But I am particularly happier about my life, because after 25 days I can already have an almost normal life, I can walk and do my business. It's so good. »
Are you still happy with the new chassis?
" For me, yes ! We are quite competitive, but unfortunately we are still suffering too much from rear tire degradation. »
How painful was it during the race and how much was the degradation of the rear tire?
“I think if I had been in top shape I could have gotten to the flag earlier, a few seconds earlier. But anyway, the second half of the race is a problem for us. Right now, Ducati and Honda are better. We have to work. »
Today, Marc took a big step towards the championship…
“A very big step. It seems that after the Brno test they improved the performance a lot, because Marc won in Brno, lost the race in the last laps in Austria, was very strong at Silverstone until the engine failed, won at Misano in the wet, and here too. So I think it's now very difficult for his opponents to aim for the championship. »
After the race, Dani Pedrosa said he wasn't very happy with the way you closed the door on the straight…
“You know, if Pedrosa is not very happy, I think he should just run alone (laughs). That's what I think. Because everyone does the same thing to me when I want to overtake, especially during the last laps. But honestly, when you come out of turn 14, you always go to the left. Maybe it was a meter longer, I don't know. Maybe these drivers think the track belongs to them (laughs)! »
How do you feel now ? Exhausted or just about OK?
“First and foremost, doing 23 laps is physically difficult, even if you are very fit. So I suffered a little in the last seven or eight laps, but I tried not to give up, because unfortunately, on my dashboard and also on the giant screens, I saw that I had four guys behind me. I said to myself, “Ah, if I give up now, I’ll come tenth.” So I tried as much as possible to get the best result, even if I was tired at the end. But honestly, like I said before, I never thought I could make the top 5, and I feel pretty good. »
Photo credit : Akira Nishimura
