Last Sunday saw Valentino Rossi begin his 26th season, at 42 years of age, and his performance didn’t exactly set the world alight. The Italian finished the race twelfth, which has Marco Luccinelli believing that he has had his day. The former rider voices his opinion on the eve of round 2, where Rossi will do his best to make up for his last outing.

"He races only to finish"

The former 500 rider, interviewed by Lapresse, comments: “Rossi was something new in the world championship, a different way of racing, a martian, a genius. But now he’s returned to earth and there’s no need for excuses. It’s time to make way for the youngsters. Without taking anything away from the nine-time champion, enough is enough”.

And Lucchinelli doesn’t stop there: “He’s keeping that bike from a young rider. He hasn’t won a race for more than three years and his last title was in 2009. He’s always raced to win but now he’s racing only to finish”.

Rossi no longer a title contender?

Nothing personal though: “I have no issue with Valentino, but with those who continue to find excuses for him. A generational turnover has happened around him. I think he wants to do better and he’s far from slow. But the youngsters have that little extra that makes the difference. He’s become the target, the rider the youngsters want to beat”.

Lucchinelli admits that he wouldn’t miss him: “The championship won’t lose its appeal without him. The others put on a show too. And today’s bikes don’t seem that hard to ride because even the rookies are immediately fast. Once upon a time you’d break bones for three years before being quick. To win one race ok, but to win a title, he'd have to stop many riders”.

Translated by Heather Watson

Doha MotoGP, the stats: Yamaha the most successful in Qatar