Rossi and Austria say goodbye

The 4 last August, Valentino Rossi celebrated the 25th anniversary of the very first of its 235 Grand Prix podiums. And the coincidence of the numbers means that it was in 125cc on the A1-Ring, since renamed Red Bull ring.

A little over 25 years later, the nine-time world champion competed in his last race at Spielberg. Despite the rain and a wet track, Rossi put his experience to use by continuing, like the winner Brad Binder, with slick tires. “ It was an incredible race, said the Italian. The moment when the riders who kept the slicks encountered those who changed bikes occurred three turns from the finish. It was very exciting! I decided not to stop because there were five laps left and I think it was the right choice because I gained places. "

At one stage, @ValeYellow46 was on course for a 200th podium! 🙌

The Doctor will never forget his last trip to the Red Bull Ring! ❤️#Thanks, it's worth it | #AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/qO87DXknhx

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 15

Two laps from the checkered flag, Rossi even found himself in third place for a few moments. “ Until two laps from the finish, everything was going very well, he added. But in the last lap it was very difficult because it was raining more. And at one point, I found myself on the podium. It was quite exhilarating (laughs). »

By finishing in eighth position, the Yamaha rider scored his best result since his fourth place in San Marino almost 11 months ago: “ It's a good result, we score a few points. It's important for me, but also for the team in this difficult moment. We conclude two weekends in Austria which, on paper, were the most complicated, with two decent races and a few points. »

This Sunday, more than 86000 spectators came to watch the Austrian GP races, but also to greet Rossi one last time. “ This is the first time that a circuit is full with fans, Rossi commented.. We can say that it's a bit like it's back to normal, because around the circuit there were a lot of people and many were wearing yellow t-shirts and caps. There was a good atmosphere. The lap of honor after the race was very moving with the circuit saying thank you, the helicopter, the KTM grandstand… »

Towards a second meeting in Misano?

If a semblance of normality reigned on Spielberg's side, the health situation is worsening in certain regions of the world. The MotoGP calendar as we know it today could therefore change. According to our latest information, the GP of the Americas could be canceled and replaced by a second meeting in Misano on the weekend of September 23. Depending on the gauges and restrictions, another GP at Misano might not be too much to accommodate all the fans of the #46.