Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Autosport Plus

How Rossi taught himself new tricks

Valentino Rossi's current age-defying form isn't just an extension of his 2015 title bid, he's addressed last year's weaknesses and got even better again. MITCHELL ADAM explains how

When Valentino Rossi returned to Yamaha at the end of 2012, he had endured two winless seasons on a difficult-to-master Ducati. His MotoGP stock was at its lowest. He was also due to turn 34 before his next race. Only 16 riders had ever won a grand prix beyond that age, and only two a title.

He returned to a garage in which he had once won four titles in six years, but that now featured Jorge Lorenzo. A rider eight years his junior, who had beaten Rossi to the 2010 title - admittedly Rossi did miss a couple of races through injury - then won it again in '12 in his absence.

Previous article Maverick Vinales wants quick decison on his MotoGP future
Next article Yamaha promises Jorge Lorenzo equal treatment with Valentino Rossi

More from Mitchell Adam

Suzuki didn't see its tough start to 2017 MotoGP season coming

Suzuki didn't see its tough start to 2017 MotoGP season coming

MGP MotoGP
Suzuki didn't see its tough start to 2017 MotoGP season coming Suzuki didn't see its tough start to 2017 MotoGP season coming
Miller sick of Honda MotoGP bike's continued acceleration deficit

Miller sick of Honda MotoGP bike's continued acceleration deficit

MGP MotoGP
Miller sick of Honda MotoGP bike's continued acceleration deficit Miller sick of Honda MotoGP bike's continued acceleration deficit
Ducati's Dovizioso says Mid-2016 mindset change helping MotoGP form

Ducati's Dovizioso says Mid-2016 mindset change helping MotoGP form

MGP MotoGP
Ducati's Dovizioso says Mid-2016 mindset change helping MotoGP form Ducati's Dovizioso says Mid-2016 mindset change helping MotoGP form
MotoGP may need Barcelona surface 'utlimatum' - KTM's Bradley Smith

MotoGP may need Barcelona surface 'utlimatum' - KTM's Bradley Smith

MGP MotoGP
MotoGP may need Barcelona surface 'utlimatum' - KTM's Bradley Smith MotoGP may need Barcelona surface 'utlimatum' - KTM's Bradley Smith
Scott Redding's MotoGP future with Pramac out of his hands for now

Scott Redding's MotoGP future with Pramac out of his hands for now

MGP MotoGP
Scott Redding's MotoGP future with Pramac out of his hands for now Scott Redding's MotoGP future with Pramac out of his hands for now
KTM MotoGP rider Bradley Smith won't need more surgery on finger

KTM MotoGP rider Bradley Smith won't need more surgery on finger

MGP MotoGP
KTM MotoGP rider Bradley Smith won't need more surgery on finger KTM MotoGP rider Bradley Smith won't need more surgery on finger
Ducati MotoGP boss admits wins were 'unthinkable' a few months ago

Ducati MotoGP boss admits wins were 'unthinkable' a few months ago

MGP MotoGP
Ducati MotoGP boss admits wins were 'unthinkable' a few months ago Ducati MotoGP boss admits wins were 'unthinkable' a few months ago
The winners and losers of MotoGP's reshuffle

The winners and losers of MotoGP's reshuffle

Plus
Plus
MGP MotoGP
The winners and losers of MotoGP's reshuffle The winners and losers of MotoGP's reshuffle

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe