MotoGP - contains spoilers.

[Bluepete]

I think Rossi didn't behave like the multiple world champion he is.

It's clear that he ran Marquez wide, off the throttle. That's not racing, that's not cheating either, but it's not right.

It was clear on raceday, from the numerous replays that Rossi didn't kick Marquez.

Equally, Marquez didn't bin it on purpose. We've all marveled at his ability, but there are some laws of physics that can't be beat! He tried to turn before running out of track, banged into Rossi and lost it.

I don't know the rules of MOTOGP, so I can't say "The punishment is wrong" but I certainly don't think the grid should allow Rossi through. If the governing body of his sport has imposed that penalty, so be it. If his appeal is allowed, then it will be in line with the rules. Hindsight is always 20-20 after all.

Hopefully, the last race will be an epic David and Goliath battle. Rossi versus the grid.

I, for one, can't wait.

Pete

[Red Herring]

The comment about the grid helping him out was a little tongue in cheek I confess. I guess it's the racer in me wanting to see other racers control their sport rather than a bunch of accountants and businessmen who just see profit margins....

All that aside as Jules and Pete say, I'm rather looking forward to next weekend......

[Ruffy]

Originally Posted by Bluepete

... I certainly don't think the grid should allow Rossi through. If the governing body of his sport has imposed that penalty, so be it.

What;s interesting to me about this penalty is the anomaly that a faster rider who catches a slower rider he's about to lap is expected to be able to pass without trouble (blue flag enabled), but here the faster rider will be expected to fight for every inch. (I'm pretty confident that qualifying will show signifcant differences in lap time between Rossi and most of the grid in front of him and we all know that he has the skill to pass pretty much everyone on the grid as well.)

Is this a double standard on rider safety? Have the authorities put mid-grid riders at risk by placing such a faster rider behind them - it can't be easy riding with one eye over your shoulder checking for someone who may simply arrive out of the blue from further back due to much greater speed difference?

Whilst no racer would admit it openly, Rossi is going to come past most of them at some point and, if it were me on a non-factory bike, I think I'd want that to happen sooner rather than later so I could concentrate on my own race and not risk being the one that took him out by cutting him up because I didn't see him coming.

Id let him past and try to tag along behind to see if I could jump some places. A drawn out battle with him would slow us both down.

[NTECUK]

Well looks like its getting hotter for the powers at be.
https://www.change.org/p/motogp-dorn...etition-no_msg