MotoGP: Valentino Rossi, the pros and cons of another year on track

The MotoGP summer break is coming to an end, which means we will soon find out what Valentino Rossi is planning to do about his future. Hang up his helmet or continue to race for another season? This is the dilemma the nine-time world champion faces.

Uccio: "Vale will decide soon"

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According to Rossi’s entourage, the decision has not yet been made and so the next two weeks are vital, after which each piece of the puzzle will fall into place.

"We’ve talked a lot, he’ll decide in the next few days. Whatever his decision, it will be the right one”, comments best friend Uccio Salucci during an interview with Sky Sport.

“We hope that the VR46 team’s second rider (alongside Luca Marini) is Vale, but he needs to feel it”, continues Uccio. “Otherwise it will probably be Bezzecchi, but there are other options and many open situations. And they will fall into place on their own. The next two weeks will be key".

The first important twist could come with the press conference that will take place in the next few days at the residence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Saud bin AbdulAziz Al Saud and which will serve to explain the role of TANAL Entertainment Sport & Media in the world championship and the joint venture with VR46. Rumour has it that this might be a first opportunity to announce Valentino’s move to the Ducati in 2022, as part of the newly-created Team Aramco-VR46.

The pros and cons

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But to what extent would a move of this kind benefit the 42-year old Valentino?

If he opts to continue his racing career, competing for his own team, Rossi would find himself back on a Ducati exactly ten years after his terrible experience with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, which saw him score just three podiums during the 2011-2012 period. A return to the ‘scene of the crime’ might allow him to settle a score and prove that he still has something to say in a MotoGP championship that is increasingly young and battle-hardened. A choice that would also allow him to race alongside brother Luca Marini, a dream come true, with a bike that many consider the most versatile on the grid.

Yes, because #46 would be riding a very different Desmosedici to that which he rode ten years ago. The red bike is proving to be quick at every track and with all riders, which could whet the appetite of a rider who currently finds himself battling with an M1 that is tricky to take to the limit and only fast in the hands of Fabio Quartararo. The idea of a GP22 could be attractive to the Doctor, while Dorna would be pleased to have an icon like Valentino on track for another year, the Italian a real draw for sponsors and fans alike.

In addition, continuing for another year would allow Rossi to bid a dignified farewell to his fans, perhaps with a large-scale event and potentially without the limitations imposed by Covid-19.

On the other hand, the operation would come with considerable risk for Rossi. Climbing aboard a brand-new bike, at 43 no less, a bike so different to the Yamaha he knows so well would be a real leap in the dark, one that would require slow and gradual adaptation. The risk of the move being a total flop would always be there, with the potential to further damage the image of a rider used to winning it all, but now forced to battle just to reach the points zone.

We will need to wait a few days to find out whether seeing Rossi on a Ducati again is a real possibility or just a midsummer fancy, but it’s enough to ensure Valentino remains big news.

Translated by Heather Watson

MotoGP, Valentino Rossi sums things up: “We want more”