Rossi: “Until a week ago I didn’t know if I could race"

And 24 days after breaking his leg, it was an incredible top-five finish for the number 46 at Aragon

Knowing he would suffer but saying he’d try, an injured Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) had already stunned on Saturday at MotorLand to get on the front row – and then came home in the top five on race day. Not only that, the Italian was able to close on the lead and battle both Repsol Honda riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa, as well as teammate Maverick Viñales – with that getting pretty close in the latter stages. Over the line, the nine-time World Champion was only half a second off his teammate, 24 days after breaking his tibia and fibula.

Valentino Rossi, P5: “I’m very happy and satisfied because until a week ago I didn’t know if I was going to be able to race. It was a great weekend and I improved day by day and started from the front row. We knew it was going to be difficult, and I didn’t manage to have a great race because I was able to fight for first but then couldn’t keep it up. At the end, over the final laps, I was a bit tired and my leg was causing some pain. I tried to avoid throwing in the towel and tried to finish the race in the top five. Now there are two weeks left and I hope to arrive in Motegi if not at 100%, then fit enough.”

Rossi at the Press Conference 

“I’m very proud and very happy because one week ago I didn’t know if I am able to race,” said Rossi on Sunday evening. “But we work well. We made the right choice. Perhaps risking a bit but I want to try not to lose another race because the more races you lose, the more time you need to come back to your level.

“It was a good weekend because I always feel quite good with the bike – not 100 percent for sure, with some pain but I can ride in a good way. Starting from the front row yesterday was already great. I was very happy. I know that today in the race it would be more difficult.

“But, anyway, it was a great race. I did a good start and in the first laps, I was strong. I can fight for the victory with Lorenzo and Marquez. In the second half of the race, I know that I have to suffer. I was more tired than normal and I feel some pain.

“Also we suffer a bit with the degradation of the rear tire. Anyway it was a good fight and to arrive in the top five is sincerely a result that I don’t expect, I don’t think I am able to achieve. It was very good.”

Had he expected to be so competitive through the 23 laps? “In this occasion, I think that you have to have the mind open because you don’t know what’ll happen,” Rossi explained. “Maybe I go on the bike and I’m not able to ride. But at the same time if you don’t feel too much pain you have to try to push at the maximum, no?

“Every day it’s coming better. From Friday to Saturday there was a good step. From yesterday to today, no. I feel a bit tired and I have some pain but it’s normal. Anyway, I can ride at a good level, and I am happy because I did a good start and I ride well during the race.

“I am very upset about the injury from the first moment, especially to not race in Misano. I wanted to fight for the championship until the end but unfortunately shit happens. Now I’m more happy that I’m back. But I’m especially more happy for my life because in 25 days I can make already quite a normal life, I can walk and make my stuff. This is so good.”