”I’m too old for these things, “ that’s what Valentino Rossi said after his first virtual race in MotoGP. The nine-time MotoGP world champion’s debut at the second #StayAtHomeGP wasn’t exactly a major success.
Reading time: 2 minutes
The race was held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. Alongside Rossi, there were nine other riders competing at the event. Also, first race’s winner Alex Marquez and his brother Marc, who is a real MotoGP world champion, were part of the grid again.
In Qualifying, Rossi seemed like he still had to get used to virtual riding. He couldn’t quite achieve top-notch times and had a few crashes. As a result, he had to start from the rear .
In the ten-lap race, Rossi still struggled and crashed three times. “It’s weird to ride on a PlayStation. My level is not contesting, but I will try to improve.,“ he said after the race.
Even though he had to remount his bike a few times, he did not lose his will to fight and showed that he was able to convert his talent to the virtual track. In the end, Rossi finished in seventh place.
After the race, “The Doctor” shared some more thoughts on his virtual racing debut: “I like to play online with friends, but I am stronger with cars. I still had a lot of fun. I fought hard and hope all MotoGP fans had a good time.”
Last race’s winner Alex Marquez couldn’t repeat his success but made it to the podium again finishing third.
Rossi’s team-mate Maverick Vinales, who took part in the first GP already, fought hard for the win in Austria. Behind him, Francesco Bagnaia applied a lot of pressure, causing Vinales to make a mistake and crash in the end. Bagnaia took the lead and scored his first virtual victory.
Results
1. Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati
2. Maverick Vinales, Yamaha
3. Alex Marquez, Honda
4. Marc Marquez, Honda
5. Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha
6. Danilo Petrucci, Ducati
7. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha
8. Takaaki Nakagami, Honda
9. Michele Pirro, Ducati
10. Tito Rabat, Ducati
Teaser source: Milestone srl
