To say that Valentino Rossi is having a disastrous start to the MotoGP season is an understatement. After being placed in a satellite team by Yamaha, and following a one-year contract initialed with a results clause in it, this is exactly what the nine-time title winner had to avoid so that he would not be reminded his 42 years. Far from being counted, he hits the headlines and fuels conversations in the paddock and among his insiders. Some of whom are, sometimes, former retired opponents much younger than him. He can also count on allies. So Mattia Pasini.
What about Valentino Rossi ? Driver data Petronas at the start of the campaign do not present it to its advantage. Four points scored, one retirement due to a fall, and unenthusiastic performances during practice and qualifying. We are far from Valentino Rossi with a record of 115 victories enhanced by nine world titles. Scores which, by the way, have not changed for a while.
Whose fault is it ? Some say his age is 42 years by specifying, for example, that it is a sport for young people. Others raise the issue of tires, insisting on the fact that he needs to change his driving style. And then there are those who put forward the hypothesis Petronas. Or his team. Mattia Pasini is from that group. He says on MOW : " it is very difficult for him to pilot, it's a bit artificial on the bike, he always leaves from afar… In my opinion, he regrets it. With today's MotoGP, if you're not in place, it's really difficult to excel. The level is very high and everyone is strong ».
Mattia Pasini: “the problem is not age”
« I believe Vale is still in good shape and age is not the problem. », continues Mattia who then delivers the blow to the team Petronas. " They should be able to make him comfortable on the bike, because he is someone capable of going fast. I hope he gets out of this situation as soon as possible, because seeing him like this is a shame ».
Maybe, but things weren't much better when he was in the factory. Yamaha . Last year, Petronas won six of the 14 races on the calendar MotoGP. Since the start of this season, the second driver Morbidely, the vice-world champion in Malaysian colors, does not seem at ease either, even speaking openly of a desire for a change of scenery in 2022. A strange atmosphere and a surprising turnaround that time and the events to follow will perhaps clarify this.
