Added pressure on Rossi shoulders
Added on Friday, August 29th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Rossi looking to extend the gap between him and Rossi.
Valentino Rossi admits that he feels an added pressure as he prepares for his ‘home’ Grand Prix at Misano this weekend.
The Italian, who won at his home Grand Prix in Mugello back in June, heads to the principality of San Marino looking to impress the supporters at the circuit he considers to be his second home and, in the process, extend his 50-point lead at the top of the MotoGP championship.
Rossi was practically handed victory at Brno two weeks ago as title rival Casey Stoner crashed out after just six laps, throwing away a commanding lead and a likely 25 points but the San Marino supporters would happily see a repeat on Sunday.
“It is very special here because I am so close to home and of course that means there is added pressure,” said Rossi. “I have had a lot more requests for tickets this time compared to last year at Misano as the situation in the championship is much better for me at present, so I hope I can put on a great show for all my fans here.”
Rossi is also determined to repay the supporters faith this weekend following his disappointing result 12 months ago.
The Yamaha rider was forced to pull up after just three laps due to an technical glitch, effectively ending his slim title hopes but after a positive testing session at Brno last week, Rossi doesn’t expect a repeat.
“Last year here was a big disappointment. We worked hard and put in the maximum effort, with things going well in the practices. We needed a good result, a podium. I started from the front row and I had good pace at the beginning, but after three laps my engine stopped. It was one of the most difficult times of my career so this year we have to make it better!”
