MotoGP: Rossi cracks under pressure? (Malaysian GP)

I seek forgiveness. A lot has happened on the local motorsports scene within the past two weeks, but I have to place them on a minute pause to address two sizzling events.

Valentino ‘The Doctor’ Rossi is leading the MotoGP World Championship. The reigning World Champion, Marc Marquez, as a result of his unusual, reckless year, has handed the ‘Yamaha boys’ an opportunity they could not resist. The two teammates, Rossi and Lorenzo, are fully aware that this opportunity exceeds the golden description! And they are riding as if their life depends on it. They are 1-2 in the championship race.

But, Marquez, on any bike, in any race, is a significant factor and apparently even more now! Rossi has accused Marquez of assisting his countryman, Lorenzo. I have my view.

Rossi’s lead was reduced after the Australian GP, so it was understood that a lot was riding on the Malaysian GP. I do not think the MotoGP world understood how much.

The rivalries produced an epic battle in Australia and we all hoped for a repeat in Malaysia. But, Malaysia was simply too hot – both the track temperatures and the on-track occurrences!

Pedrosa

Dani Pedrosa, the man with the pace in Malaysia, rode away ahead of a chasing Lorenzo, while Marquez and Rossi locked fairings and horns, battling for third. The duel, at the outset, rivaled anything that Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather could offer! It was a – turn for turn-overtaking reality series. But Rossi, who was possibly boiling from Australia, was rapidly approaching the explosion point.

We, unfortunately, are in no position to comprehend the transformation which occurs when helmet covers head and the bike comes to life.

At Malaysia, a version of ‘The Doctor’ that most are unfamiliar with, emerged. At first, he maintained his composure and fought the valiant, fierce, unyielding fight with Marquez. But, it quickly became clear that he had lost sight of his elusive dream – the 10th title and allowed himself to be drawn into Marquez’ all or nothing web.

At one stage, after passing Marquez, he made a gesture. But, we all know and have come to appreciate what Marquez brings to the table – I will catch and pass you!

Marquez

It was not long before Marquez slipped by Rossi and the fireworks resumed without pause. And then the eruption. Rossi stated that he deliberately ran wide to slow Marquez’ momentum, but somewhere in his thought process he forgot who he was dealing with. Marquez, not known for games, had one aim and as he tried, despite being pushed wide, to negotiate a lane to pass the Yamaha, according to Rossi, Marquez’ Yamaha touched his leg – which produced the kick that we saw. Marquez’ machine lost its posture and sought the asphalt! Marquez down and out!

The race was not the same after that mouth agape and head-grabbing incident. Race-control spoke after the race and Rossi will begin the Valencia GP at the back of the grid. What is evident and cannot be overlooked is one fact – Rossi cracked under pressure! And if he loses the World Championship to Lorenzo, he has one individual to blame – himself.

If, as Rossi suggests, Marquez is assisting Lorenzo, here is a million dollar question – Why would Marquez produce that scintillating last lap at Phillip Island to steal victory from Lorenzo?

Contact or Kick?

Rossi vs Marquez

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer.