Monster Energy factory Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi was pragmatic after being taken out of the Catalan Grand Prix on the second lap as part of a four rider pile up caused by Jorge Lorenzo at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The Yamaha man was enjoyed a good weekend and was a dark horse to end his victory drought which has now spanned nearly two years. However, the Italian got caught up with Lorenzo’s crash at on just the second lap, which also collected Andrea Dovizioso and factory Yamaha team-mate Maverick Vinales.
Rossi explained that he felt good before the incident, confident in what he could have achieved had he not been caught up in the crash.
“It’s a great, great, great shame because today I felt very good,” said the Italian.
“We worked well during practice and we learn something important and I feel comfortable with the bike. This morning with the medium I have a good pace.
“I was consistent, I felt good in braking and I enjoyed riding the M1. So I was very optimistic for the race. I think we had the right tyre choice so I think I could’ve fought for the podium.”
Whilst his Yamaha team-mate called for Lorenzo to be severely punished, Rossi was more pragmatic, saying it can happen to anyone.
“I was behind Petrucci and I was a bit faster than him,” he said. “I wanted to try to overtake but I overtake in the wrong moment because I arrive faster to turn ten.
“After I see the crash in front of me, and unfortunately I cannot avoid the bike of Jorge. I tried not to crash but the bike came below my tyres and at the end I also crash.
“I have also a bit of pain in my ankle because my foot remained between the two bikes. About the penalty, the race direction will decide. I don’t have to say nothing.”