MotoGP Italy: can Rossi turn things around?

The Italian GP is just around the corner and from Friday, the riders will be out at Mugello for free practice ahead of Sunday's race. Yamaha and Ducati look to be the favourites considering the results in recent races but, of the M1 bikes, might that of Valentino Rossi also be able to fight for the podium?

 The most successful at Mugello

Vale has won more Mugello races than anyone. He’s competed at this track ever since he was young and knows it like the back of his hand. His most recent strong result dates back to 2018, when he finished third behind Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso. The following year he crashed out and then in 2020 there was no MotoGP in Italy due to Covid-19. So what can we expect from the Doctor this time around? His 2021 season hasn’t got off to the best start, an eleventh-place finish his best result to date, scored at Le Mans. If we were feeling pessimistic, we might be inclined to say that things will be no better in Italy, but Rossi might just have an ace up his sleeve.

 “Mugello is always special”

A ‘home’ race, even if the Misano round is more of a ‘home’ race for Rossi, always brings extra motivation. There won’t be any crowds on site to support Valentino, but if the Petronas rider wants to make up for his recent negative results, this friendly track could be just the place: “I felt better with the bike at Le Mans – he said – so it was a pity the race was such a complicated one. We hope the weather is more consistent this weekend at Mugello, and that we can confirm the improvements made during testing at Jerez. It’s a fantastic track and I have many wonderful memories. It’s always special, so I can’t wait to get there, although it’s a pity there’ll be no fans because they are always fantastic and give us so much support. It’s great to see them in the grandstand. The Italian GP is something wonderful”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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