All careers come to an end and at 42, his age was ultimately his undoing. A great rider, great charisma (something that set him apart from many of his adversaries and that endeared him the media, akin to Barry Sheene) and unquestionably one of the greatest of all time. I'll miss the fever that surrounds him at the Italian rounds (especially Mugello) and his infectious enthusiasm and love for the sport. There are many younger riders snapping at the heels of his popularity, but whilst equally talented, few will match his iconic status as an ambassador for the sport. Sad to see him go and the sea of yelllow tifosi in the grandstands but nothing stands still in such a competitive arena and as one chapter ends, another begins, as I am sure he will be present in the paddock for a good few years yet, with the advent of his own MotoGP team. "VLF!!"
Will never forget the first race on the Yamaha. Unbelievable turn around for a bike that had been so uncompetitive. The greatest.
People are entitled to their opinions. I agree he should have retired a few years ago. But he has done more for MotoGP than any one else in its entire history. For that we should gracefully be thankful, whether you like him or not. MotoGP would not be where it is today without him. At 42 he has still wobbled round with the best in the world. Most posters wouldnt even finish 1st on their rush to the bathroom. Riding prototype machinery at the highest level, when we mortals can barely do a session in intermediates. Some can barely ride their bikes down the road. Yes, there are some good riders here, very good fast guys. But even at 42 he'd smoke them maybe. Give the guy some credit. Put your bias to one side and appreciate someone who has given the best of his life to the sport we all love.
Let's be honest he'd smoke everyone on this forum, that's 100% a given. He's actually gone faster at certain rounds this year than he ever has, it's just that the benchmark has moved on. Tyres/aero/electronics have all played a huge part, for some they work and for some they don't. I suspect the switch back to Michelin has hampered him for some years, you can't teach an old dog new tricks as they say.
How many riders could have ridden over Marco Simoncelli, and not packed up racing. Obviously it was an accident, but it takes a certain mindset to put that behind you.
yeah he's so good he has managed to get paid umpteen millions and keep a factory ride despite not winning a WC for the past 12 years.
Knob off Gary, youre nothing but a sour and bitter killjoy. Clear off to your MM blowjob fantasy and leave us alone.
Every forum has one ..... part and parcel of the rich fabric of life, I'm sure Gary in his professional career is in the top 0.01% of his peer group .... Come on Gary, share your successes with us ?
My successes ? Well let me see it certainly doesn't take me 12 years to do my job right given all the best kit and I don't get get paid as much. Therefore I win , but by all means continue with your hero worship as other facts and options obviously are wrong.
WOW, I'm impressed , did you manage to type that all by yourself or did you have help ? Facts hurt so much don't they honeybunch
Joker, honestly if thats your best response, not sure why you bothered, hero worship no, utmost respect for someone that has provided entertainment for millions, possibly billions in his time, while succeeding and building a fanbase like no other, continues to give back to the sport and has a tenure at the top that will likely never be eclipsed. So come, share your linkedin profile, show us what a success at life you are ?
It doesn't matter if you think he's the best ever rider or not, there's no denying what he has done for the sport. I remember going to Donington for the gp,and there was barely 20,000 there. I personally don't think he's the best ever ,but he is one of my favourite riders.
What you mean like Vinales, Pedrosa, Dovi, Crutchlow, Edwards, Bayliss, Capirossi, Melandri to name a few factory riders never to win a championship in the premier class....
