The veteran superstar has had a torrid campaign and struggled in Germany last time out.
He crossed the line in eighth and never looked likely to mount a serious podium charge.
Rossi had previously failed to finish the last three races through a mixture of bad luck and poor judgement.
His team-mate, Maverick Vinales, finished second at the Sachsenring behind race winner Marc Marquez.
READ MORE: Rossi warned he’s only useful for selling merchandise
“MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi says he won't give up”
Speculation has been building that Rossi could call it quits.
However, The Doctor issued a defiant message to his doubters.
"For sure I don't like [the losing streak] but it happened already another time in my career and I was able to come back," Rossi said.
"I’ve won 89 races in MotoGP… I'm not so bad! So I can 'manage' if I remain at 89!
"But we don't give up because it's true that I'm old for sure, but last year I was already old and also five years ago I was already old."
Petronas Yamaha ace, Fabio Quartararo, is riding a similar spec M1 bike to Rossi.
Despite this being his debut year in the premier class, Quartararo is already outshining the old master.
The 20-year-old has been hotly tipped to eventually replace Rossi in the Yamaha ranks.
And the rising star insists he won’t be intimidated by the elite.
“The first time I ever had a moment that really surprised me was when I found myself leading in Assen,” Quartararo said.
“Suddenly there was no one in front of me, and that was something special.
“But I still haven’t managed to have a big fight with people like Marquez and Rossi, and I’m really looking forward to that possibility in the coming races.”
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/motogp/792839/Valentino-Rossi-retirement-MotoGP-news-gossip
2019-07-19 07:07:05Z
CAIiEK4Ed_R-XFOUL_sQx_n6ufQqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowjKT8CjCc44gDMN2jzQU
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Valentino Rossi issues defiant message amid MotoGP retirement claims - Daily Star - Daily Star"
Post a Comment