Valentino Rossi's start to the season leaves no doubt. At 42 years old, these are his last rides behind the wheel of a Grand Prix machine. “The doctor” will fade into legend, and it is not this final season that will taint his legacy, contrary to what many suggest. However, if we take a step back, Vale's retirement marks the end of a blessed era. A moment of nostalgia is in order.
May 31, 2009, Montmeló. Jorge Lorenzo, in only its second year, shakes up the codes of the category. A style borrowed from Valentino Rossi, less warm, for sure. Already, he is dazzling the world with his talent, not hesitating to jostle with his legendary teammate.
He will start from pole position. For the race, you will have to be wary of the No. 46, the reigning world champion. Many find it aging, less dazzling than in the Honda era.
Casey Stoner, 2007 world champion on Ducati, is in ambush, just like Dani Pedrosa, future crack in the category. The next decade is here, before our eyes. THE " Big 4 » plays to win, every race weekend. The characters of these champions are very different: on the fan side, everyone benefits.
One of the main protagonists. Photo: rbnlsn
It is Valentino who attracts the most people on the circuits, but the new generation should quickly take over. This miraculous overtaking in the last corner resembles the first lines of a succulent book. This is where it all begins, where vague images turn into memories.
This good book closed a long time ago.
November 8, 2015, Cheste. After having battled in the four corners of the globe, our heroes find themselves 500 kilometers from the place of departure. To fight one last time. The final explanation, our “ Suzuki '89 ».
New ones arrived, old ones left.
Red, Lorenzo et
Márquez are at war, against each other or against themselves, to tell the truth, we no longer know. In extreme tension, the three will set off with a title at stake. The title that must be won, for the sake of history. Never has a direct confrontation between two officials from the same team been so close.
The anti-hero par excellence. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
The stands are packed, no one can breathe. A leaden screed hovers over Valencia, and everyone knows that it is going to collapse. War is part of life, history is inevitable.
The winner matters little in the eyes of time. The book is finished, but as often, a less intense sequel is written. Since 2016, we have had the opportunity to enjoy a show that is interesting to say the least, more balanced than before. The unique electronics delight a large number of observers, and it is true that the sport has never been so competitive.
But rivalry, parent of all triumph, a little lacking. Each generation gives way to another, often better, but not necessarily greater. Despite the moments of sadness and mourning, we lived in a golden age of seven years, which propelled MotoGP into a whole new dimension.
Vale's retirement will mark the end of a blessed era. A final chapter will close, to make way for another work,
another era.
To our memories.
The unlucky one of the story. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
