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We often don't see Valentino shaken, but today he experienced something that had never happened to him before. “It was the most dangerous moment of my career.” Morbidelli's bike sped by him at just a few centimeters. It's easy to think what would have happened if he hadn't missed him. However trite the phrase may be, today we almost witnessed a tragedy that Rossi believes could have absolutely been avoided.
"How was it? Scary, terrifying, dangerous,” these three adjectives describe the accident in which he was unfortunately involved.
Valentino, tell us what happened.
“Everyone's aggressive now, starting from the Moto3, and I can also understand this because every rider has a lot at stake, but the important thing is not to overdo it. You have to have respect for the other riders who are on the track with you, because ours is a very dangerous sport, especially on a track where you often go over 300 an hour.”
What triggered the accident?
“You can already see it from the lower classes, many in braking close the door, braking in the face of other riders, as they say. Zarco was very wide, and he braked in Franco's face to avoid being overtaken. But he was too close and, at 300 an hour, the slipstream is very strong, Franco wasn't able to brake.”
What was it like seeing it from inside?
“When Vinales and I reached the braking point, I saw a shadow, but I thought it was the helicopter. Sometimes that happens. Franco's bike passed in front of me so quickly that I didn't even see it. I was more worried about Zarco's, even if, reviewing the images, I realized that the real danger was Franco's. These bikes are rockets that travel at crazy speeds. We had a potentially very dangerous situation today. It was pure luck that no one got hurt, but it must be treated seriously.”
You went to talk to Zarco.
“Yes, I told him these things face to face and he replied that he didn’t do it on purpose, he couldn’t even have thought of doing such a thing. But braking in the face of another rider at 300 an hour, you can unleash a potential disaster."
You got out unscathed.
"I have to offer a prayer to someone, to whoever decides up there. I got really scared. Even now, I don’t feel well. It was really dangerous . The situation changes dramatically when no one gets hurt, but I hope that what happened today can help improve things in the future."
The Red Bull Ring has also often been accused for its safety. Did this have any affect in any way?
It’s a track that’s a bit dangerous at certain points, especially when braking at the hairpins. But I think what’s more dangerous is the lack of respect towards other riders."
What did you think before starting in the second race?
”It was a difficult moment. It wasn’t easy trying to concentrate again, but I had no choice. I didn’t want to just leave and go home,” he said laughing. “I just tried not to think about it, but it’s not easy to do even now. I called my girlfriend, who was really upset. Now I’ll speak to my mom.”
Why were there so many accidents in these races?
"They say it’s a short championship, but there are 15 races. There’s pressure. I think that the cause of the falls in Jerez was the heat, in Brno an asphalt with many holes and little grip, but today it was because of the aggressiveness, which continues to increase. Everyone wants to try. On one hand, that’s good, but we can’t exaggerate. Everyone has to keep in mind that our sport is dangerous, not just some of us."
Do you think measures will be taken for Zarco?
"I don’t know, just that he’s been heard by the Race Direction, but I don’t know what will happen, and I find it hard to express myself. Johann swore to me he didn’t do it on purpose, and that’s important. I don’t know, sometimes these carambola are unlucky but, to me, the cause of this seems clearer. Zarco changed trajectory when braking."
How do you react to such a big scare?
"It was an already difficult Sunday. After Syahrin’s accident in the Moto2, it was scary, but raceing again helped me. Today I was really scared. We’ll see what happens in the next few days. Now I’m with my brother and Celestino (Vietti, ed), I’ll try to lead a normal life, to think about how to improve. This will help me."
We haven’t talked about your race.
"This is a difficult track for us. Doing a fast lap in qualifying is one thing but, in competition, against others, we suffer. Maximum speed has never been Yamaha’s strong point, but now we really lose a lot, and everything becomes critical."
You were the best Yamaha rider at the finish line. Another possibility for them to keep you on the official team?
"I’m sorry to leave. if I stay, it would be easier, but I don’t know if things can change. I’m trying to put together a top technical team, like an official team, but I’m afraid it’s too late to change things. Who knows, maybe if I win next Sunday!” he said laughing.
