Valentino Rossi is certainly famous for his riding ability, but he’s also well-known as a man expert in psychologically destroying his opponents. Tongues are wagging that this is what is happening to Ducati’s Casey Stoner, who for the second race in a row (at Misano in Italy) last weekend was fastest in every practice, took pole, jumped into the lead, then made an unforced error and crashed out, handing the race to Rossi.
The historic win for the Italian (it ties him with Giacomo Agostini for 68 premier-class victories) gives him a hefty 75-point lead over Stoner, with five races left in the series.
"Yes, I’m very excited," said Rossi, who lives about 10 km from the track. "I mean, I feel nervous before the race because here in Misano I have a lot, a lot of people. All my friends, all my family, just my dog doesn’t come. So it’s difficult also keep the concentration."
Second place went to resurgent Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi’s team-mate (albeit on Michelins rather than Bridgestone tires), while third went to the mercurial Tony Elias on one of the satellite Alice Ducatis, his best result of the year.
The factory Repsol Honda team again had a bad weekend. Nicky Hayden was forced to sit out after practice, his injured foot still not able to carry the load of racing, while his team-mate Dani Pedrosa could only manage an unhappy fourth.
Perhaps the most unhappy group in the paddock were the Kawasaki team, with Anthony West and star signing John Hopkins last in 13th and 14th – dead last. Depending on who you believe, Hopkins is either suffering from muscle injuries to his rib area, or having personal problems that are derailing his concentration.
Next event is at Indianapolis on September 14.
I wonder how long until Rossi jumps to F1 cars ???
“Unforced error”?
What sport are you
reporting?
‘Course, I woulda called
it an “Own goal”, so I’m
one to talk! :grin