Rossi praises competition after “fun” race
Added on Monday, July 20th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Rossi praises competition after “fun” race
Valentino Rossi described Sunday’s German Grand Prix as “great fun” as he took his fourth win of the season and declared his rivalry with teammate Jorge Lorenzo and Ducati’s Casey Stoner as great for the sport.
Rossi once again came out on top in thrilling battle between the three with Honda’s Dani Pedrosa also making his mark by finishing third but it was his teammate Lorenzo who once again pushed him all the way, crossing the finish line just 0.099secs behind Rossi after a nip-and-tuck battle in the closing stages.
It was the latest in a series of thrilling battle between the pair, with images of the Catalan Grand Prix just five weeks ago still fresh in the memory.
“I think this was a great race for everyone because there were all four leading riders of the championship, fighting very closely and all in strong form,” he claimed after the race. “We knew that they would all be tough to beat today so I am very pleased about this win, I rode very well and my team worked brilliantly all weekend to find the right setting.
“I had a very good start today, a great battle with Stoner early on and then after half race distance I was a little faster and really able to push at the maximum, which was great fun. At the end it came down to another incredible battle with Lorenzo and I really had to be on top form, especially because he passed me when I wasn’t expecting it. Luckily I was able to take him back and then I rode a perfect final lap with no mistakes.
“Everything worked well today, my M1 and my Bridgestone tyres, so thanks and well done to everyone.
“This is my fourth win of the year and I really think that our Yamaha is a fantastic bike this season. I think races like this are great for the sport. Now we have a small advantage in the championship and we’re going straight to Donington, one of my favourite tracks where I really hope I can win after a few bad years without a victory!”
