Created in 1947, even before the Motocross World Championships, the Motocross of Nations is the team race which determines the strongest country in this discipline. Such an event in MotoGP could be favorable to Italy, thinks Valentino, who knows that the Peninsula can count, in addition to himself, on Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci, Franco Morbidelli, Francesco Bagnaia and Andrea Iannone.
Only Spain seems able to compete for the trophy, with Marc and Álex Márquez, Maverick Vinales, Pol and Aleix Espargaró, Álex Rins, Joan Mir and Tito Rabat.
The 2020 edition of the Motocross des Nations is scheduled for September 27 in Ernée. According to Jacques Bolle, President of the FFM, “Youthstream, the FIM, Ernée Moto-Club and the FFM are already working to make this event another unforgettable success in September 2020. Motocross is the most popular motorcycle discipline in our country and we must therefore offer to our licensees and fans around the world the best. We must keep in mind the last two successful editions of the trustworthy Circuit Ernée. We are more than ready to take on the challenge. »
It was during an interview with French cross rider Gautier Paulin, organized by Yamaha for its two riders, that Rossi developed his point of view and his idea of taking inspiration from motocross.
“I still follow MXGP, Vale explained. We MotoGP riders, but also Moto2 and Moto3, are big fans. Unfortunately, I have never seen a World Motocross Championship race there. I would have to organize myself, maybe we can do an “exchange” with Gautier Paulin, he could come to the Ranch or to a MotoGP race and I could go see an MXGP race. »
The Motocross World Championship is particularly highlighted by this event which MotoGP lacks. Races between nations have taken place in the past in the field of speed, such as the USA-UK transatlantic match in the United Kingdom, or USA-UK-Italy-Rest of the World in Imola.
“The Motocross of Nations is something special,” Rossi continued. “We are a little envious because we MotoGP riders don't have this event. I think it's a really fun race. If I had to participate with the Italian team, I would want Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Dovizioso to be with me. »
“We could prepare for it at the Ranch, where we try to practice three different disciplines on the same track, namely motocross, flat track and oval. During this period we have worked on improving the track useful for training with the cross bike, but also two types of ovals, one for the flat track and the other larger which measures 2,5 km. »
“Every time we train there are five or six of us drivers who are always very fast and with similar times, in fact, at the end we always do a single lap timed session and the gaps between us are very small. »
“I think we will be back on track to race the GPs in the second half of the year,” Rossi said, “that is to say in July or August. »
“It will be a shorter championship than normal, with fewer races, probably 8 or 10 and fewer people in the paddock. They will be races behind closed doors, without fans, but the important thing is to race because if that doesn't happen it will be really bad for everyone. »
