The debate continues about the rest of Valentino Rossi's career and it is not with the sad result of the last Portuguese Grand Prix that he will lose his passion. The fact is that between the four points collected in three races, including one marked by a fall at Portimao, the depressing times during qualifying, and the speech of the person concerned exuding frank optimism about the future on the basis of progress which is not visible on the rankings, there is an anxiety-provoking chasm. Jerez should nevertheless be a justice of the peace where masks must fall, even in the midst of a pandemic.
The balance sheet of Valentino Rossi after three Grands Prix in his new life as a satellite driver Petronas Yamaha is hardly encouraging. In the team that won six out of 14 races in 2020 and alongside a Franco Morbidelli whose relationship is one of frank complicity, we expected the Doctor to have a better party. But the Malaysian makeover is overdue. Or even a fantasy given the 4 points collected so far.
But Vale says it will come. Moreover, this would be desirable because his contract is only for one year and its renewal is subject to a results clause. However, some still believe it. This is probably not the case for Lucchinelli or of Charles Pernat who pray for awareness of the nine-time titled so that he retires. But it is the conviction of one Franco Uncini, world champion in the 500 class in 1982, and current safety manager of the International Motorcycle Federation. According to the former Italian pilot, it is not even appropriate to speak of a crisis when addressing the current situation of Valentino Rossi.
« I would wait before presenting it like that “, he said on Mowmag. " Valentino is always competitive. It is true that in the second race in Qatar he finished sixteenth, but fifteen seconds behind. Which means a little more than six tenths per lap over the twenty-two laps of the race. It's nothing. From there to win, it's very close and I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the top step of the podium during the season ».
At Petronas, we do not deny that this start of the season is a cold shower. But we stay the course. “ The goal is to try to win the title with Valentino and Frankie », reiterated the team director Razlan Razali to the microphones of the Russian newspaper Sportklub. “ I think the two make a great duo, they are also good friends. We will try to encourage Valentino Rossi to try new solutions ».
Petronas on Valentino Rossi: “it’s important to keep your spirits up”
« Everything is possible », Continues Razali. " Last year we believed it. We were leading the general classification, then we had problems. We need to make sure that the story of this team remains exciting, not just because of Valentino's presence. We want Frankie to keep winning and we want Vale to win too. That's the goal this year, so we'll see what happens during the season ».
The team manager Wilco Zeelenberg also explains what the technical means can be to bring back Valentino Rossi at the top : " we need to focus on the settings, find better grip and that's what we're trying to do. It is important to keep morale high and we will continue to support it. It's a question of time, you have to improve the sensations with the bike, otherwise you can't go fast ". The next step will take place at Jerez, may's beginning.
MotoGP world championship ranking after Portugal (3/19):
Credit classification motogp.com
