Valentino Rossi will therefore have to watch his colleagues do Grands Prix without him. An ordeal which will begin this weekend, moreover on his lands in Misano. Fifteen days later, the cathodic show will continue in Aragon before a hoped-for return to business in Japan on October 15. This is the most reasonable plan to consider for recovering from a double fracture of the right leg. During this time, his Yamaha will remain inactive. A priori. Because many are eyeing it closely. And the Doctor knows it!
In a frantic title race, Maverick Vinales will find himself alone at Yamaha in the quest for a crown also coveted by two Honda riders and a knight on a Ducati. The fact remains that in MotoGP, those who are absent are always in the wrong, even against their will. Although we may be respected for our nine titles, 115 victories and other 226 podiums or 64 pole positions, a vacant place for a good bike is always a place to be taken.
Then the Doctor warns: “ a lot of riders would like my place and have my bike. But it won't be easy for them to get it. I will continue to give my best. What would be essential is to be strong and competitive, otherwise it is better to stay at home ».
There will therefore be the return from injury to face and, then, the following season placed under nagging questions about Vale's plans in 2019, the year of its 40th birthday: " I will decide on that mid-next season. If I can still fight for victories and podiums during the first six Grands Prix of 2018, then I would like to stay. But that’s still a long way off. In MotoGP, you have to think day by day and race by race. It's still too early to think about 2019 ».
Before his accident, Valentino Rossi was fourth in the championship with 26 points behind the leader Andrea Dovizioso.
