In his 500cc/MotoGP career, Valentino Rossi has had three great rivals: Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and now Casey Stoner. Getting beaten by a rider who isn't a long-term threat for a title doesn't bother him, he joins in the back-slapping and doesn't waste ammunition. Tiger Woods is exactly the same. When a one-hit wonder wins a tournament he's full of bonhomie, but not when the world number two triumphs. Rossi's attitude to and analysis of his three challengers is illuminating. Max he characterizes as strong on a two-stroke but 'not a lot of problem' on a four-stroke. However, Biaggi had 'strong media power' and in the beginning that caused a few problems with the Italian press.
Gibernau, says Vale, was 'faster than Max and good on a four-stroke.' Sete's problem was that got too wound up before a race and arrived with "too much emotion and aggression, so he make mistakes.'
And Sete as a person? "At the start I think I like him, then I get to know him and decide I don't like him. But, you put Max's head on Sete..."
Which brings us to Stoner. "He is very, very fast, especially at the limit. He knows it and uses it—you need a great feeling for that.'
And Casey's ability to ride the Ducati that no-one else can master? Valentino spreads the fingers on both hands then brings them together so they interlock: "Perfect fit."
"However, he knows he is the best and therefore does not respect his rivals; I have to give him a problem."
I think it is safe to say that Valentino has done just that.
ENDS
No comments:
Post a Comment