It's testament to the star of Valentino Rossi that even when after having a qualifying shocker, starting from the 3rd row on the grid, the doctor can conjure up a podium finish from the jaws of defeat on the last lap of the GP.Stoner had the race sewn up from Lap 2 when he was over a second ahead of newly crowned champion Jorge Lorenzo. Lorenzo was out on a Sunday drive with a massive gap back to Rossi, Dovi, Hayden & co.
The 3rd place snatched by Rossi on the last lap was significant for many reasons.Rossi is showing that now, with him nearly back to fitness he can compete from anywhere in the grid, a podium from 9th in Sepang last week, and now podium from P8 in Phillip island.
There is no doubt this years championship is devalued by the absence of VR46 for 4 races. To win a championship without Rossi is equivalent to no win at all.Lorenzo knows this you can't deny he is a worthy champion but he has'nt beaten a fully fit Rossi which will undeniably tarnish his 2010 World Championship.
For Rossi he will be delighted to see that the Ducati's are flying in the last few races, he is moving to Ducati after Valencia and will demand a competitive bike. He will also be encouraged by the fact that Nicky Hayden is finding his way with the notoriuosly difficult to ride Duke. It was thought that only Casey Stoner could control the beast that is the Ducati.
For Lorenzo he will need Yamaha to step up, the top end speed is lacking and Honda & Ducati have power to burn it seems. Rossi is known to have been instrumental in the development of the M1 along with his team crew chief Jeremy Burgess, it is rumoured to have angered Rossi that Lorenzo arrived and was given the M1 that Rossi had spent years developing.
So this season is over in terms of plaudids, but in the last few races watch for Rossi to demonstrate his dominance , in his final insult to Lorenzo he will undoubtely go for Valencia glory to snub Lorenzo on his home turf. ...hmmm
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