Never seen Valentino Rossi so shaken. Never. Even through the computer screen, from which we are now forced to see the drivers – because Dorna has decided that journalists (apart from TV) cannot go to the circuit – all of Valentino’s fear emerged.
The images of his face when he returns to the garage show him clearly: when he puts his hands on his helmet as he gets off the M1; when you take off your helmet inside the box; when his gaze is lost in who knows what thoughts; when he sees the dramatic images of the accident caused by Johann Zarco, with Ducati and Yamaha flying like missiles and touching him and Maverick Vinales. But also three hours after the accident, in the virtual press conference: the anger against Johan Zarco passed – by the way: when Valentino says that “Zarco did it on purpose”, it means that Zarco, according to him, deliberately braked in that point, so as not to be overtaken by Morbidelli, certainly not to make him fall. The accident was a consequence of a wrong maneuver, not a voluntary one: this must be clear – Rossi let himself go to emotions, like never before.
“It was a difficult Sunday, because the accident in Moto2 had already been scary with Bastianini’s bike in the middle of the track and Syahrin who flew away. In that case, leaving for the race helped me. Then, when the accident between Zarco and Morbidelli happened and I saw the bikes like bullets coming towards me and Maverick, I was very afraid. But I got a lot more when I reviewed the images.
Then we left again: It is said that the heroes, or in this case more simply the brave, are either crazy or forced to do it: here, I was there now, I certainly couldn’t go home. And leaving again was a way to think about it. Let’s see what will happen in the next few days “, said Valentino, visibly tried, almost still in shock.
Valentino says he was there now, that he couldn’t have done anything else, but it’s clear that if he wanted to, he could have stopped. As Niki Lauda did in the famous 1976 Japanese GP, when the world title was being played with James Hunt. “I’m afraid, I don’t continue” Niki said. And he lost the title.
Never thought not to run
The reality is that, despite the fright, despite the understandable and human fear, it seems that Valentino hasn’t thought for a second not to get back on his M1. This is assured by those who were inside the garage, who was scared as much and more than him by what happened, who feared the worst, like millions of fans in front of the television.
But while Maverick Vinales apparently didn’t suffer from the accident that much emotionally – even though the photo taking his hands off the handlebars to protect himself while Zarco’s bike flies over his head is absolutely frightening – Rossi was greatly impressed: It is logical to think that he had doubts about getting back into the saddle. Instead, they ensure, this was not the case.
But how do they do it?
To me, frankly, it seems almost impossible: how do you go back to driving, recover your concentration, let your fear go away, make a start with 20 riders, keep calm and clarity to get a fifth place, or any other result?
“I think it’s a question of concentration: we are still used to getting out on the track and always giving 100%: it’s something you forget pretty quickly. Then, when you get off the saddle and think about it, it always has an effect “ Pecco Bagnaia explained in the live broadcast on Sunday evening on moto.it.
Who knows if Valentino talked about this at home yesterday, together with his girlfriend Francesca, who knows what evaluations they will have made, perhaps on the phone with mother Stefania, Vale’s true confidant.
Someone says: at 41 he played a crazy wild card, almost a signal: perhaps it would be right to think about retirement.
I honestly don’t think Rossi will think about it. But that would be more than understandable.
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