"Letting Rossi pass is not the best tribute we can pay him"

The idea arose on social networks but the rumor intensified in recent days as a real possibility, even assuring that the MotoGP riders had met and reached an agreement to let Valentino Rossi pass, on Sunday in Valencia, so that in At the time of his retirement, the Italian achieved the 200th podium of his life and could say goodbye from the box.

However, during the press conference prior to the Valencia Grand Prix, the riders ruled out this possibility, the majority agreeing that Valentino himself would not accept such a scenario.

“Personally I don’t think Valentino would be satisfied to get his 200th podium in this way, for me he would do it, I don’t rule it out, but I don’t think he likes the idea”, reflected the recently proclaimed world champion, Fabio Quartararo, to which the competitive vein came out to add: “I’m not going to cut gas”, between laughs.

Pecco Bagnaia, second in the World Cup and a personal friend of Valentino, also ruled out the possibility, but provided an interesting idea.

“That all the drivers agree to let Vale pass is something difficult to achieve, but we have to let him pass after the checkered flag, when the race is over, and do the honor lap together behind him” , asked the Italian.

Last year’s champion and Suzuki rider Joan Mir was somewhat surprised by the idea, but signed on to Pecco’s proposal.

“I don’t think it’s a good tribute to let him pass, maybe he’ll surprise us and he’s fighting for victory in his last race. I would very much like to be able to do the lap of honor near him”, said the Spaniard.

Danilo Petrucci was aligned with the idea that #46 would not like a situation like the one that arises.

“Valentino is a competitor and I’m sure he won’t like being let through, I’m sure he’ll enjoy the race and I think he deserves more than just a lap of honor at the end,” he said.

The note of humor around the issue was put, how could it be otherwise, by Jack Miller.

“Valentino has a lot of money and I am a businessman, so I am open to any proposal,” the Australian launched with a laugh.

Alex Márquez, present at the press conference after his extraordinary race on Sunday in Portimao, closed the round of answers on the question.

“No one is going to let anyone pass, we are competition drivers, but as Jack says, we are open to offers”, closed the boy from Cervera .

Valentino Rossi, Petronas Yamaha SRT