Rossi philosophical despite losing MotoGP crown
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-30 10:02
VALENCIA, Spain - Valentino Rossi remained in philosophical mood despite
seeing a sixth successive premier class world title slip from his grasp after he
made two uncharacteristic errors in the Valencia MotoGP on Sunday.
Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi
crashes during the Spanish Grand Prix at the Cheste racetrack near
Valencia October 29, 2006. American Nicky Hayden took advantage of a rare
error by five-times champion Rossi to claim his first MotoGP world title
in a dramatic race in the season-ending grand prix in Valencia on Sunday.
[Reuters] |
The 27-year-old Italian went into the final race with an eight-point
advantage over title rival Nicky Hayden, but a poor start from pole position and
an error that resulted in him sliding off the track in the early laps ended his
chances and gave the American the championship.
"It was a difficult race and we had some problems," said Rossi who crossed
the line in 13th place while Hayden came third to win the title by a five-point
margin.
"I made a mistake off the start and another on the slide. I don't understand
why I slid but when you crash it is always a mistake."
Rossi had been 51 points adrift of Hayden in the championship standings at
the end of July, but the Yamaha rider staged a remarkable comeback in the final
third of the season to head into the final race at the top of the standings.
"It's a big emotion this year, positive and negative," he said. "We were able
to gain 51 points from (the Czech Grand Prix in) Brno to arrive in front to the
last race but unfortunately we lost.
"We did a lot of incredible victories but in life it is always possible to
lose."
Rossi was sporting in defeat and heaped praise on Hayden who was a former
team mate of his at Honda in the 2003 season.
"Great congratulations to Nicky, he did a great job. He's a good guy and a
great rider. He won, he's the best and I'm very happy for him.
"He's a great fighter, he's always very fair and I've got a great
relationship with him, his father and all his family."
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