The news we knew was coming has arrived and it makes us sad to think it has become a reality, that Valentino Rossi is retiring after 30 years in the sport of MotoGP, two-wheel racing and nine World Championships. As journalists and photographers of the sport, we have witnessed the greatness of Valentino Rossi since he first entered the sport, and the memories are truly special. We were present for many World Title celebrations, up close and personal interviews and watching him at the top of Lukey Heights at Phillip Island crank the gas and the purr of his Honda, Yamaha and Ducati machines truly remarkable as you learn through the closeness to the bikes, how brave these riders are. Rossi has been an icon in the sport for a very long time so his decision to retire is a hard one to stomach for most as he is the greatest of all time from many aspects of the sport. He is like the Michael Jordan of MotoGP to put things into perspective.

Valentino Rossi:

"I said I would take a decision for next year after the summer break, and I decided to stop at the end of the season. Unfortunately, this will be my last half season as a MotoGP rider. And it's difficult, it's a very sad moment because it's difficult to say it and know that next year I will not race with a motorcycle, I've done that for I think more or less 30 years! Next year, my life will change. But it was great, I've enjoyed it very much, it's been a long, long journey and it was really, really fun. It's 25, 26 years in the World Championship, so it was great. And I had a unforgettable moments with all my guys, the guys who work for me, so... I don't have a lot to say! Just this.

"I had a very long career and fortunately I won a lot of races, but I have some moments and victories that are unforgettable. Pure joy. Some things where I laughed for a week and after 10 days I'd still be laughing, wonder why and remember the race. It's difficult, yes. A difficult decision but you need to understand... I think in the end in sport, the results make the difference. So at the end I think it's the right way. It's difficult because I had the chance to race for my team in MotoGP, together with my brother, something that I would like. But it's ok like this I think... we have another half season, I don't know how many races, I think it will be more difficult when we arrive at the last race, but for now it's just to say my decision to everyone. I can't complain about my career!"

Whilst we enjoy the remainder of the season watching Rossi in action, we also have a World Championship up for grabs and the chase is on. The summer break was challenging for some and others a rewarding reset. We would love to see Rossi improve and go out on a high, although the bike he is riding appears to be quite the bucking bull. In contrast, if you asked Fabio Quartararo if he enjoyed the time away, he would say he missed his bike! He looks good, feels physically and mentally strong and is ready to battle to keep his title bid on track, literally.

Fabio Quartararo:

“I am really happy that we are going back to racing again. I had a good time during the summer break, and it was good to get a bit of rest, but now I just want to be back on my bike again. I want to take the season race by race, so I’m not too focused on the standings. My main goal is just to do a good job in Austria this weekend as well as the week after. We know that Spielberg is not our best track on the calendar, but I did stand on the podium here before, so we know it’s possible to fight for top positions. We will do our best.”

The one rider who utilised the break to reset mentally was Maverick Vinales. With a young baby to look after, Vinales has spent time with family, enjoying the sun and ocean whilst refocusing with a new attitude training on bikes, though he remains tight lipped on his future for now. At times, Vinales showcases frustration more than others and this has been his downfall, so it will be intriguing to see him change this up and work hard to find results to finish 2021 in the way that we know he can. The Spanish rider has admitted out aloud about his emotions being poorly communicated at times and is looking to finish the season with Yamaha in a good way.

Maverick Vinales:

“Last year’s races in Austria were eventful to say the least, and the results weren’t what we had hoped for, but overall the feeling wasn’t too bad. For sure, we will put in our maximum to start the second half of the 2021 season in the best way possible. I have been training a lot these last few weeks, so I feel great! The upcoming two races will probably not be the easiest for us, but in Assen we showed that we have great potential. We did have some good races in Spielberg in the past, especially in 2019, so I think we can do a good job again.”

The Austrian Grand Prix is always a great circuit to enjoy racing and there are two riders who are very excited to get back on their bikes: Dani Pedrosa as a wild card for KTM and Cal Crutchlow filling in for the injured Franco Morbidelli. We know what both riders are capable of and no doubt Pedrosa is very excited considering his input and the success of the KTM machines, whilst Crutchlow jumps on board an old Yamaha and will need time to get re-acquainted. The British rider has only been testing the Yamaha for a limited amount of time, so we are excited to see what he says about the bike and future for the team now that Rossi is retiring and positions opening. It was a joint decision between Crutchlow, Yamaha and Petronas SRT for him to race for the next three events. The hardest challenge for Crutchlow is the limited amount of time on a MotoGP bike, although Silverstone will be a nice one to race as the fans cheer loudly and are proud home favourites.

Dani Pedrosa:

"It's a pleasure to be here and I'd like to thank KTM for this opportunity. For sure it's a bit like going back to the old style of training, I didn't prepare physically like I would for a whole season, but it's another challenge, more motivation, inside my current role with KTM. So far it's a bit of a strange feeling today, coming back and doing media... seeing all the changes due to the Covid situation, and some other things different... but some things the same, like preparing with the team the plan for the weekend. Learning the new rules, in the riders' meeting, to get a bit updated overall.”

The time off did help Marc Marquez to recover although he remains not at 100% fitness. Relaxing with friends, family and focusing on his fitness have been key elements to putting a smile back on his face. There is plenty of work to be done and no doubt, being secured by the Honda team, Marquez will be focusing his energy on results to also make sure that 2022 is a Championship contending season. He needs to master the Honda machine once again and provide data, insight, and knowledge to bring forward the best results possible.

Marc Marquez:

“I’ve enjoyed the summer break; I was able to relax with friends and family and enjoy it. It was good not just for the mind, but also for the body and I am feeling better and stronger. I’ve been able to increase my training, spending more time on bikes and even returning to riding motocross – which I am enjoying a lot! But we know the situation on track will still not be simple and we have to keep working and stay focused. I’m looking forward riding my Honda RC213V again and having full grandstands again will be incredible.”

In comparison, Pol Espargaro is happy to be returning, see the fans and return to the Austrian circuit he enjoys riding on and feels like the Honda machine will be a benefit with the hard braking, acceleration, and overall performance. In our opinion, the workload for Espargaro is quite significant, since he must deal with Marquez as his teammate for one and his results are not showcasing enough growth to which Honda will be pushing! They are not a team that sits around waiting, that is for sure.

Pol Espargaro:

“Let’s ride! It has been a long time away from the track and I am looking forward to returning to riding my Honda again. We’ve been training hard over the whole summer and I am fully prepared physically for the final end of the year. The Red Bull Ring is a unique circuit with a lot of hard braking and accelerating, I think it can suit us. It looks like we will have full grandstands for the first time in Austria, I am so excited to see all the fans and hopefully we can see more people at more circuits soon. We didn’t have the easiest start to the season, but it’s time to keep our focus and show the potential we know we have.”

The improvements made by Suzuki need to happen now if they are to try and catch the front runners and send the World Championship down to the wire. Firstly, Alex Rins needs to finish, and Joan Mir must demand those improvements in the nicest way possible. If they can improve the bike, the holeshot device and overall speed to cause a stir amongst the other rivals. As a World Champion, Mir must step up to the plate, take charge and bring about the drive as a leader to be the number one at the team whilst Rins finds his feet again.

Joan Mir:

“The summer break has been a great chance to switch off for a while and reset ahead of the second half of the season! I spent a little bit of quality time with my friends and family back in Mallorca but then I was back to training and trying to be as prepared as possible for the next run of races. I’ve had some really nice results in Austria in the past, so I’m happy that we’ll have two races at this circuit in the next two weeks. Let’s see how the sessions go from Friday onwards, but I’m ready to give my all and it will be great to see my team again.”

Alex Rins:

“The break has felt really long! Although I recharged my batteries and rested, I’m very excited to get back on my bike now. I’ve been training all different bike disciplines during these five weeks, but nothing actually compares to riding in MotoGP! The second half of the season will be busy with many races still to come, and I’m aiming to put the bad luck behind me and enjoy some good results. Austria is not an easy track but it’s quite nice to ride, I had a podium in the first season that we came here and I’ve had some other good finishes too. Let’s start racing again!”

The one rider we are excited to see how he handles the pressure, and second half of the season is Johann Zarco. He is groovy, relaxed and feeling happy. The Ducati loves the Austrian track, and his motivation is high considering his past with a real shot at becoming a World Champion. He has not forgotten about the past, with that said, he is using the fire within his belly to keep defying the odds. He is just looking forward to the weekend, focusing on his job, and showing up in the best possible way on and off track.

His fellow rivals and teammates, Jack Miller and Pecco Bagania are also out to improve and keep their position on the ladder high. Both riders are certainly capable of becoming World Champions. They need to stay focused and not buy into the psychological game’s others are trying to set like a sticky spider’s web. The difference with the Ducati riders is that they made sure to rest and recharge their batteries, whilst training and keeping their reaction times on point. No doubt, this weekend there will be competition and not a straightforward victory for the Italian manufacturer. It will be a test for Bagnaia considering he missed last years race due to a leg injury.

Francesco Bagnaia:

"This long five-week break has really helped me recharge my batteries, and now I'm ready for the second half of the season. I'm really looking forward to getting back on my Desmosedici GP and, above all, to racing in Austria again. Last year, I had to sit out both races held here because of my leg injury. At the Red Bull Ring in 2019, in my debut year in MotoGP, I had managed to finish seventh at the Austrian GP, while Ducati has won five of the six races held so far at this track, so I'm sure that we have all that we need to fight for a good result on Sunday! I'm determined to get off on the right foot in this second half of the championship".

Jack Miller:

"I am excited to be back in action this weekend! During this five-week summer break, I had time to rest, but I also continued to train with my Panigale V4 S, having fun with the other Ducati riders in Misano. Now, we will have a double-header at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, where last year I went close to claim victory. In 2020, I got on the podium twice, both at the Austrian GP, where I came third and at the Styrian GP, which I closed in second place. This track has always been a happy hunting territory for Ducati, but I expect tough competition this year. Anyway, we will do our best to be at the front and end the weekend on a high".

Be sure to tune in and see how the Austrian circuit treats the riders, with every minute of Rossi on track, a real honour as he rides towards retirement.

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