MotoGP, the Rossi era draws to an end at Valencia: “I feel calm, for now”

The Valencia GP will mark the end of Valentino Rossi’s career as a world championship rider. A weekend that is set to be very emotional, during which the fans will be able to see the nine-time world champion in action for the last time.

Vale: “A special weekend”

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The Valencia track doesn’t necessarily conjure up good memories for Valentino, despite the Italian having scored two wins and seven podiums at Ricardo Tormo. "Valencia is always a special weekend and can be a difficult race in different aspects, especially as it is always the final round of the year - apart from last year when we ended in Portugal”, comments the Doctor ahead of the final round.

“However, it is somewhere that I have had some very good times. I’m hoping that we have some good weather there so that we can focus on ending the final race in the top-15 and take some more points."

Valentino is not feeling particularly emotional yet: "Although it will be my last race in MotoGP I feel normal and I think that’s okay, especially as this has been a very long season; maybe the days after the weekend will be different this year, but we will see. I hope that I will have the chance to say ‘ciao’ to my fans in a good way and to say thank you for the support."

Dovizioso: “I’ll continue to adapt to the bike”

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On the other side of the Petronas garage, Andrea Dovizioso hopes to improve his feeling with the M1. "I’m hoping that this weekend we can continue adapting to the bike more, as we made some small steps forward last time out at Portimão. It will be important to maintain this and continue working in the right direction in Valencia, to end the season as best as we can”.

“My main target is going to be to gain more confidence on the bike, as this is also very important for me to do before the end of the season. Although I’m enjoying riding again and gaining experience, I am happy to finish the season – hopefully with some more points - because I’m looking forward to starting the 2022 one", concludes Dovi.

Translated by Heather Watson

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