Rossi: “Riding in front of so many fans was a gift”

It was a valiant effort with the ‘Doctor’ just off the podium at Mugello – after doubting whether he would even be able to line up

Tags MotoGP, 2017, GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA OAKLEY, Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

After crashing when training motocross before his home Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was even unsure if he would be able to race at Mugello – but hurdle by hurdle the number 46 put on another incredible show at his home GP.

Taking the lead from second on the grid and fighting for the win and podium throughout, Rossi pushed hard to not let the consequences of the crash hold him back, but he wasn’t quite able to hold onto it – fading slightly to fourth at the flag. Nevertheless, the points haul was an impressive one in the circumstances – and now there are a few more days to recover before the Catalan GP, which was the stage for Rossi’s most recent win last season.

Valentino Rossi, P4: “I knew that today‘s race would be more difficult than usual for me. While on the bike I rode well and I didn’t have pain, but I was struggling a bit and I knew that 23 laps would be long and hard. I tried my best, I did a perfect start and I led the race for some laps, but I couldn’t really ride the way I would have liked to. At the end I tried to stay close to the riders in front, but I did not have the power to attack Danilo.

I would have liked a lot to be on the podium today, but there was nothing I could do. It‘s a bit disappointing that I’m not on the podium at Mugello, but seeing where I was few days ago, and the big hit I took, it‘s been a positive weekend all in all. Being here and riding in front of so many fans was a “gift”. Now we have just few days before Catalunya, another important race, so I will try to recover and be in perfect shape in Barcelona.”