The world must face a pandemic which forces us to rethink everything in our attitudes and our interactions while it slowly but surely disrupts the economic and social environment. Very smart who will be able to define what will come out of this, when, finally, this COVID-19 is under control. This next world that we are told about is only a painful transition to that of tomorrow about which we still know nothing. Meanwhile, against all odds, Dorna managed to put together a MotoGP season. His paddock is also still standing but for all this to be possible, a price had to be paid. Valentino Rossi tells us which…
Organizing a World Championship when the said world closes all its borders and instructs its inhabitants to limit contact and travel is a challenge. Yet this is what Dorna managed to do. To do this, it was necessary to concentrate events in time and space, making the paddock aware that it was either that or going under.
So we have a calendar offering events only in Europe spread from July to November. Concretely, this means 14 tests in four month, and on new tracks since Jerez, Spielberg, Misano, Aragón and Valencia host two meetings in two successive weekends. Recently, there have been nine Grands Prix in just nine weeks, including three in as many weekends in a row with both Misano and Barcelona… Complete with a day of testing!
After this Sunday's ceasefire, hostilities will resume at Mans next Sunday, for a rush until the finale of Portimao on November 22. At this rate, a pilot of the caliber of Valentino Rossi, from the top of his 41 years old, really needed the invigorating blue pills so as not to experience breakdowns in the face of the ordeal to be overcome. He pointed it out on his helmet during the double pass at Misano…
Six races left in seven weeks
Still, the Doctor admits that maintaining such a pace is not easy: “ It’s hard both mentally and physically. » admitted Vale very frankly. “ We now have a bit of experience with double events, there have been three already, so I can say I don't really like them. Firstly from a psychological point of view, because after a week where you gave your all on a track to run, it's quite boring. The excitement and motivation are then no longer as great as they would be if we changed track ».
« It is also physically difficult to compete in the » Triples ", added the official Yamaha . " Between the two Misano Grands Prix, we also did a test on Tuesday, it was extreme for the body, it wasn't a particularly great idea ", added Red.
Relaxation is not in sight, because from the French Grand Prix expected on October 11 to the season finale on November 22 in Portugal, there will be six races in Sept weeks. In addition, there will be a test day on the series machines in Portimão on October 7, which 13 regular drivers have so far confirmed.
« Now we only have triples until the end, so we'll have to grit our teeth », Predicts the nine-time world champion. “ But it is what it is, it's a strange year and you have to do it like that, otherwise we wouldn't have driven at all. Better this way than not at all. But I hope we will return to normal soon », ends with speedweek with Nora Lantschner the one who will make a 26rd Grand Prix season in 2021 under the colors of Petronas.
