The French MotoGP Grand Prix saw an unexpected DNF, with Valentino Rossi crashing at the Bugatti Circuit. Rossi has acquired three victories under the MotoGP banner & wasn’t anticipating crashing on the opening lap. This marks the 3rd Consecutive DNF (Did-Not-Finish) for Valentino Rossi, a formidable rider with several championship victories in MotoGP.
Valentino Rossi hasn’t taken his 3rd Consecutive DNF with positivity, the 7-Time champion expressed his lack of understanding towards the crash & feels shame for Yamaha, as well as himself. Rossi had ample opportunity to acquire a podium finish at MotoGP’s French Grand Prix, with his qualifying position sustaining 10th. After the lights went out & drivers began racing at the Bugatti Circuit, Rossi quickly rose through the field but would lose his backend at Dunlop Chicane. The backend of Valentino’s Yamaha M1 couldn’t hold the grip with little heat to the tyres & swung out from Rossi’s control.
Multiple competitors were forced into avoiding manoeuvres from Valentino Rossi’s unexpected crash. Maverick Vinales from Yamaha dodged his teammate, with Suzuki Racing’s Joan Mir barely avoiding Rossi & colliding into the seven-time champion. Multiple drivers almost hit into Valentino Rossi with the grid still being packed. However, Rossi avoided collisions & was unharmed in the race.
It should be noted that conditions were wet, and Valentino Rossi had minimal room to recentre his Yamaha M1. Given the grid wasn’t packed at the Dunlop Chicane, Rossi would’ve regained his centre & pursued forward. Rossi was hoping to acquire a podium position after not finishing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix & Catalan GP. Valentino’s next opportunity to showcase his champion persona will be on October 18th at the Argon Grand Prix.
Rossi Interviewed After French GP
After the French Grand Prix had concluded, MotoGP Reporters questioned Valentino Rossi on what’d transpired at the Dunlop Chicane. The seven-time champion evoked his sadness towards crashing during the 1st corner of the 1st lap. He’d mention that starting the Grand Prix was good & his rise through the field was looking good. Everyone looked calm, entering the Dunlop Chicane, but wet conditions prompted hydroplaning. Valentino Rossi couldn’t hold control of the Yamaha M1 after it’s backend hit the ice-like conditions.