Okay, I've come late to this discussion and you've discussed the race already. I've still got my two penneth to add:
The gaffer said the MotoGP racing is uncompetitive and he could be right. If so, watch the 250's or especially the 125's. For the most part, you don't know the winner till the finish line in those races!
Now, Rossi/Stoner.
First, that's a terrific photo and shows what Stoner was complaining about. However, Stoner's complaints were immediately after the race and before he had a chance to review race films. I'll bet, after seeing what we saw, he will moderate his tune, even if not in public.
Rossi said before the race, when asked if he would be competitive, that he had had a word with the race organizers and they had agreed to allow him to start 30 seconds before Stoner. He knew Stoner had set faster times and had a faster bike in the straights. He also said that to win, he would have to lead from the start.
That is exactly what he did. If Stoner passed, Rossi passed him back in the next corner.
The photograph:
Rossi had just been passed. He committed to repassing Stoner in the next corner, but Stoner closed him down. His only line short of collision was to take the inside. Stoner was forced wide (no contact, mind) and there lies his complaint. But, when Stoner sees the race film, he will marvel that Rossi didn't take the both of them out. To come off the dirt and onto the edge of the tarmac without losing it was a wonderment to me. (Maybe, even Rossi if he's honest.)
I'm sure a lesser rider would have taken them both out.
Stoner would have kept up the fight, but his rear was stepping out on him.
The race of the year in my book, just for watching those two for 16 laps.
Chris Vermeulen did well, too.
