2017 MOTOGP Season ****SPOILER ALERT*** *****WARNING - SPOILER *******

[VryfastRR]

I'm the biggest Rossi fan here. It's always been a running joke with how much of a Rossi fan I am.

via Imgflip Meme Generator

[The Black Knight]

Here's a quick snippet from MotoGP.com on Rossi and comments....

After crashing when training motocross before his home Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was even unsure if he would be able to race at Mugello – but hurdle by hurdle the number 46 put on another incredible show at his home GP.

Taking the lead from second on the grid and fighting for the win and podium throughout, Rossi pushed hard to not let the consequences of the crash hold him back, but he wasn’t quite able to hold onto it - fading slightly to fourth at the flag. Nevertheless, the points haul was an impressive one in the circumstances – and now there are a few more days to recover before the Catalan GP, which was the stage for Rossi’s most recent win last season.

Valentino Rossi, P4: "I knew that today‘s race would be more difficult than usual for me. While on the bike I rode well and I didn't have pain, but I was struggling a bit and I knew that 23 laps would be long and hard. I tried my best, I did a perfect start and I led the race for some laps, but I couldn't really ride the way I would have liked to. At the end I tried to stay close to the riders in front, but I did not have the power to attack Danilo. I would have liked a lot to be on the podium today, but there was nothing I could do. It‘s a bit disappointing that I'm not on the podium at Mugello, but seeing where I was few days ago, and the big hit I took, it‘s been a positive weekend all in all. Being here and riding in front of so many fans was a “gift”. Now we have just few days before Catalunya, another important race, so I will try to recover and be in perfect shape in Barcelona."

So see, straight from the horse's mouth, the pain really didn't affect him today, he just couldn't ride the way he wanted too. Which translates into "I just flat f**king sucked today and that's all there is too it."

Also why try to recover and be in perfect shape for Catalunya?? Can't win. So just take some time and heal up normally.

[The Black Knight]

Now that's funny...

[madvlad]

[The Black Knight]

Well, ahead of the Catalunya GP here's a little something. Yep, I remember when the guy in yellow "used" to be able to do this...

https://www.pinkbike.com/video/252542/

[Gramps]

Well, ahead of the Catalunya GP here's a little something. Yep, I remember when the guy in yellow "used" to be able to do this...

https://www.pinkbike.com/video/252542/

BK-

If your really a Rossi fan, which I doubt, you would realize he is third in a very close points race. He led that points race for several weeks and lost it while fighting for the lead. He has been competitive at every race but one and that was due to tire issues.

He is ahead of the golden boy MM and nobody is saying he is washed up. Why?

Lorenzo can't find the podium if someone put it in a box and handed it to him? Don't hear much about that?

Either quit yer bitchin' and talk about the races or admit your not a Rossi fan so we all know where you stand.

[The Black Knight]

BK-

If your really a Rossi fan, which I doubt, you would realize he is third in a very close points race. He led that points race for several weeks and lost it while fighting for the lead. He has been competitive at every race but one and that was due to tire issues.

He is ahead of the golden boy MM and nobody is saying he is washed up. Why?

Lorenzo can't find the podium if someone put it in a box and handed it to him? Don't hear much about that?

Either quit yer bitchin' and talk about the races or admit your not a Rossi fan so we all know where you stand.

You're right man, apparently you got me. I must be terrible and no fan of VR46 at all. Oh wait, what are these??





What is all that?? Oh I know, that's $1000+ dollars in helmets alone, two miniature bikes, two hats, a book and oh yeah, last year's Valentino Rossi The Game. And what's that?? A '99 Yamaha R1 with a 2004 M1 graphics scheme with a big gigantic #46 on the tail seat cowl. Oh yeah, still have a poster of him on his M1 from the 2005 Laguna Seca GP on the wall.

You're right, I've only followed him as a racer since 2001-2002ish. So roughly 15 years of watching my greatest inspiration on a motorcycle race.

I was there when he was at Honda, made his epic switch to Yamaha, then bring Yamaha 4 championships. I was there as a fan when he broke his leg at Mugello, then when he made his regrettable switch to Ducati for winless two years. I was still there as a fan when he returned to Yamaha and went on to claim a victory at Assen. I was still there as a fan when he clawed his way back to the sharp end of the spear in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

I think this person from crash.net summed it best after the Mugello race a few weeks ago.

iSayuSay


"June 04, 2017 6:02 PM
Last Edited 3 days ago

That's the keyword. Marc is the reigning champion, Lorenzo won the title in 2015. And Rossi hasn't won a single title since 2009. And this year he's even struggling for 3rd.

If you're a true Rossi fan, do you love to see your idol being a loser for the last 8 years? Settling for P2 or P3 just to survive each season. Would you like to see your idol struggle for 4th or 5th this year, played around by those younger riders? Are you a real fan?

I would love to see #46 win races, and TITLE. Not just juggling around for podium. Rossi is not just some random rider. If he cannot win, might as well not see him on track anymore. Be a chairman of Dorna, head of Yamaha team or whatever. See? that's a real Rossi fan would hope for."



I agree with much of what that person said. Can't say as I want to see him as a chairman for DORNA, that company is a joke.


So now we come to 2017. Rossi is having a terrible year. He's not competitive and he's hurt. There was even a story of him saying he would have liked a break after Mugello to recover. I mean come on man, the Rossi of old was dying to get back on the bike when he broke his leg in 2010. Fast forward to now, where he gets bucked off a dirtbike and takes a shot to the ribs and now he's wanting a break??

What the hell happened to the Valentino Rossi, I've spent 15 years watching???

So yes, after 15 years and countless races of watching him ride I think I've earned the right to comment/critique his performance just a little. You see I remember all those seasons with him dominating and winning race after race. He's not doing that anymore. It's time for him to go, he cannot win anymore. It's time for him to hang it up. I'm going to use a cheesy Top Gun reference here and say, he's lost his edge and he's holding on too tight, it's time for him to turn in his wings. 2015 was the MIG that really screwed him up and he may not make it back to the carrier. And to use another cheesy reference, it is like watching Apollo fight Drago.... yes, Rossi is getting his ass kicked that bad. Someone needs to throw in the towel and soon. He doesn't have that Eye of the Tiger anymore(hasn't had it for a long time).

You see, I'm such a hardcore fan of VR46, that at this point I'd much rather see him retire and let his legacy live on. For him to be remembered as the G.O.A.T.... Rather then watch him troll around for the occasional podium, or 4th's, 5th's or 10th places. I don't want to watch the racer I've looked up to for so long when it comes to motorcycles, struggle the way he is this year. When a racer of his caliber is struggling to get past a Tech3 bike, then yes he's struggling. And it's embarrassing to watch.

All that's left now is for his legacy to take even more of a beating. To be even more of an embarrassment throughout the rest of 2017.

Rossi has done more in his last few years with Yamaha than most of his championship winning seasons. He's proven to everyone that even being in his late 30's he's been competitive. He came very close to winning the championship in 2015. He's shown that no matter the age, the passion is what burns and what pushes you to go on. However, everyone runs empty on drive at some point in life.....

[Gramps]

Firstly know that I'm just giving you a hard time about this, nothing personal at all. Just observations.

Secondly, let me explain that your ability to buy helmets and put stickers on a bike doesn't make you a Rossi fan. I've approached people in the united states and abroad that had on Rossi hats or shirts and they didn't even know who Rossi is. So as disappointing as that is it really doesn't sway my opinion one way or another.

As far as your opinion on his level of competition currently that is where we differ. Or possibly we don't, you are just having a hard time coming to grips with the fact he isn't going to win race after race like he has in the past. I already made the case for why but I'll point out a few things for the sake of discussion. He has struggled in qualifying and practice but come race day he is usually at the front. He is still one of the most respected riders in the paddock and in the world. He has been second in points and won races in the previous two season's. So how is that not competitive? I'm sure there are several other riders that would love to be in his seat at this moment. You even admit in your post he has been competitive he just hasn't won the championship. Do you realize how many things have to come together to win a championship at any race level? How hard it is to put a season together? This is the point with your posts that don't make sense. You even flip flop in your post above. Stick to one opinion so we can all follow along

My other point is possibly to big for you to understand or for me to explain but I'll give it a shot. The 30,000 foot view is that I'm a fan of MotoGP and every rider to some degree. These riders are the fastest, most talented riders in the world. They have earned their seat through competition and have to perform to keep their seat. I for example, enjoyed seeing Pedx beat Rossi at Mugello. Did you see the sheer joy in that guys face? How was that not great? Yeah I would agree I would have shuffled that podium a bit to get Rossi on it but I still can't argue about the results. So that point of view is how I watch the races. Every rider is fast and every rider is more talented than I am on a motorcycle so I watch in awe of the best riders in the world with my favorite always being Rossi. So for you to be a Rossi fan but always criticizing his riding ability doesn't make sense to me. His legacy isn't taking a beating. Not to the true MotoGP fan.

Rossi will always be the GOAT because of what he has accomplished and what he continues to accomplish. Not because of how many races he wins in this particular season or the next. He is the only rider that will be able to even achieve some of the things he has because the class or bike isn't even available to be ridden anymore. He brings his charisma to the paddock and the organization like few other riders.

[Gramps]

Now on to what's important.

What do you think about all the fuss over the new chicane instead of the F1 chicane?

The riders are all wanting it changed from the sound of it.

[madvlad]

He won there last year dude hahaha chillax. It was raining in the session so everyone's times are fucked lol. That 2009 showdown was just one of the best battles in history imo. The old man only trails by 23 points which is not bad considering that DNF and still a long ways to go. Age slowly but surely starts to get you but he still in there figuring it out day by day.

[~Barn~]

Check and mate.

[The Black Knight]

Lol!! Nothing to check or mate. I'll deal with this when I get home...

[The Black Knight]

Dude, you're killing me here. It's you're, not your. Lol!!!

I'll comment when I get home. Out and about already and can't type long responses on my phone.

[The Black Knight]

Big congrats to Dovi!! That guy deserves that one. He's riding so high right now and to be able to do something that hasn't been done since Stoner was at Ducati(win two back to back races). Saved his tires the whole race and kept his cool. Good rides from Marquez and Pedrosa. Thought, Pedro had a little better pace but dropped back. Even Lorenzo was on a yo-yo for lap times and got back to 4th. Lots of run offs for everyone in T1.

Good race I enjoyed it...

[madvlad]

Fucking A Man, Dovi on a mission and shoving it up Lorenzos and Ducatis ass. Hope he wins the title this season.

[Gramps]

Agreed it was a good race. I hate that some of these races are being decided on tires but I guess you could say that about all the races in every series. Some bikes(manufacturer's) are better it seems on low traction. Last year's M1 seems to be a better package on low traction.

It sure is mixing up the championship!

You know the three of us should meet up one morning somewhere to watch the race. We are all up at the same time it seems

[The Black Knight]

Fucking A Man, Dovi on a mission and shoving it up Lorenzos and Ducatis ass. Hope he wins the title this season.

Oh yes, I much prefer to see Dovi doing well over Lorenzo. Still can't comprehend Lorenzo's yo-yo thing throughout the race. Usually when tires drop off, they drop off and that's it. For him, seems they dropped then came back. Could have been a fuel load thing, where once he was able to burn off X-amount of fuel, the bike balanced out and he was able to push better.

I honestly think Dovi is a title contender now. His win in Mugello wasn't a flash in the pan and I think he's in some good form. The way he's riding is meticulous and he really saves those tires. He's basically riding the way Lorenzo used to ride the Yamaha, faultless.

Agreed it was a good race. I hate that some of these races are being decided on tires but I guess you could say that about all the races in every series. Some bikes(manufacturer's) are better it seems on low traction. Last year's M1 seems to be a better package on low traction.

It sure is mixing up the championship!

You know the three of us should meet up one morning somewhere to watch the race. We are all up at the same time it seems

That was always my main worry when Michelin was brought in and we saw some of the debacles from last season and it seems those same gremlins have translated over into this year's championship. Michelin just isn't up to the same level as Bridgestone was at. The fronts were so good that you could deal with a crappy rear on the Bridgestones and still make good races. Now, with bad fronts that's where all the riders get their confidence from. If that front tire isn't doing it's job, doesn't matter how awesome that rear tire is.

Last year's M1 is a better bike all around compared to the 2017 version.

I'm always up early, blame it on my profession. Least now where I work, I'm not in til 7am, my old job started at 6am. So I've always been an early riser. With it being so ingrained in my now, I get up usually around 530 on weekends without an alarm on. If I sleep in til 630 or 7am that's rare for me. I like being up early and getting a jump on the day, even if I don't do much for that day. Still like getting all I can out of the daylight. There were times I used to get up to watch the Moto3 and Moto2 races and then said forget that. 530 on a Sunday is one thing, but I'm not getting up at 3am for Moto3 LOL!, I'll just catch the races later.

[The Black Knight]

Those of you with Playstation Vue accounts, if you're not aware. Sony has dropped BeIN Sports from their line up. Citing differences in contract negotiations. Luckily, I do the MotoGP subscription but usually watch Moto3 and Moto2 on BeIn later in the day as I don't feel like hooking my laptop back up to my tv for streaming.

Just a heads up people, no more BeIN sports for Playstation Vue users...

[Kristian]

It's "citing", not siting. ; )

[The Black Knight]

It's "citing", not siting. ; )

Yeah, my lovely samsung likes to play tricks with words on me. One of my phone's favorite things to do to me, is when I type the word "and" for some reason it always changes it over to "ans"... I don't get it.. I'll change it to reflect the correct word..

[madvlad]

Man I am seriously loving the unpredictability of this season, it truly is anybody's game awesome qualifier session. If Zarco keeps this up I am sure he will take Rossis' seat after 18'

[madvlad]

Dude what a race, Assen never fails to deliver. Holy chet that had me at the edge of my bed man. This is what is all about, what a showdown! Rossi back in contention again and Dovi leads the charge. Bummer for Viñales though

[The Black Knight]

Dude what a race, Assen never fails to deliver. Holy chet that had me at the edge of my bed man. This is what is all about, what a showdown! Rossi back in contention again and Dovi leads the charge. Bummer for Viñales though

Yeah, I'm going to have to watch it. Did it come on way earlier?? Got up my normal time(545ish) and the race was over and Moto2 was coming on. Didn't think they changed it up from the normal time, then again it is Assen.

[Spiderman]

Dude what a race, Assen never fails to deliver. Holy chet that had me at the edge of my bed man. This is what is all about, what a showdown! Rossi back in contention again and Dovi leads the charge. Bummer for Viñales though

Seriously! My heart was pounding! Un-freaking-believable how close that was, all the way down to the checkered flag!