“I've had two bad years at Valencia and I have some memories I would like to forget with a good result there this year. I have an account to settle!” explained Rossi, who hasn't forgotten that here is the place where he lost the championship crown two years ago when fighting Repsol Honda's Hayden for the top spot in the overall classification.
Not only that, but the Yamaha rider also had to see his fame go down the drain in last season's finale, when he lost the runner-up spot in the standings to local favorite Dani Pedrosa. Rossi then crashed out of the race and broke his hand in the process. This year though, with a 5th title already under his belt, the Italian looks set to settle things out in Spain.
“It's not the best track for us, but I won there with Yamaha in my first year with them and I would like to do the same again this weekend. It's been a fantastic season and the win on Sunday in Malaysia was great, but I am not finished yet and I want to reward my team, Yamaha and Bridgestone for a fantastic season with the possible result on Sunday. Then we can all celebrate with a big party,” previewed Rossi the Valencia Grand Prix this weekend.
The Yamaha rider has scored 2 wins in the past for both Honda and Yamaha at Valencia (2003 and 2004 respectively), while ranking 3rd overall – when already champion – in 2005. Unlike last year, his team is now on a high as they have already won it all this season: riders', constructors' and teams'.
With one race to go in the championship, there's little room for a change on top of the table. The podium positions are not up for grabs anymore, as Rossi, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa all hold at least 25 points of advantage over their closest rival. Jorge Lorenzo sits in 4th place, while Italian Andrea Dovizioso seems to have already secured his 5th place ahead of Honda's Nicky Hayden.
Google News