MotoGP : Rossi! Rossi! Rossi!

If you consider yourself a fortune teller it is highly unlikely that you would have successfully predicted the events which unfolded at the Shell Advance Malaysian Grand Prix which was held at Sepang.

In what can only be described as an intriguing, drama-filled contest, the Grand Prix kept the fans in suspense as the race laid out constantly changing plots. From the outset it was clear that uncertain but thrilling moments were ahead – rain forced a 35 minute delay and on the warm up lap, a problem with Rossi’s main rival and team mate, Jorge Lorenzo’s machine (bike), resulted in Lorenzo starting the race from the back of the grid. Rossi could not pay money for that type of luck!

Rain

The average competitor hates rain, but the fans love it, because it has a tendency of bringing the cream of the crop to the fore in exciting and usually dramatic fashion. There is no doubt in my mind that Lorenzo’s day will come and all things being equal, he will win a World Championship (or several for that matter).Lorenzo’s relegation to the back of the grid only strengthened him and in a flash he was running close to the front and passed Rossi who was having a terrible race, courtesy of a poor start (which saw him as far back as tenth at one stage).

Rossi

Rossi did not lose sight of his target however and with Casey Stoner dictating the pace at the front, he strapped his helmet on and went in search of his title. Rossi riding a typical, calculated race, came through the field and held fourth place, passing Lorenzo in the process. Help comes from unexpected places at times and Rossi benefitted from an error by Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) who went surfing on the asphalt (he slid off) and gave Rossi third place.

Stoner

Casey Stoner was in a separate league, in a world of his own and he maintained his series of brilliant performances, which started in Portugal. Stoner ran away at the front, eventually winning the race, a whopping 14.6 seconds ahead of second place Dani Pedrosa. Stoner’s victory was overshadowed by the ‘Doctor’s’ accomplishment. Rossi finished third and so he clinched the 2009 MotoGP World Championship, his ninth World Championship and his seventh in the premier class.

Rossi is colorful and he is known for his jovial antics and as such the celebration – ‘ the old hen makes good soup’ (which had a chicken dressed in blue and yellow) was typical Valentino Rossi. Rossi! Rossi! Rossi!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On- Line Writer.