VALENTINO ROSSI, HERO OR VILLAIN? THE EUROPEAN VIEW

Valentino Rossi’s clash with Marc Marquez in the penultimate race of the MotoGP season provoked a firestorm of controversy.

Some saw the ‘kick’ that left Marc Marquez in the gravel as a disgraceful act unworthy of a great champion – others saw Rossi as the victim, attacked by his Spanish rivals.just

Ahead of Sunday’s season finale, we asked our experts around Europe for their nation’s view on Rossi. Spain: 100% Rossi’s fault – Clear unfair move by Rossi; everyone loves him in Spain (or loved him, even Márquez who had Rossi as the biggest idol) but Valentino got wrong this time, no doubt.

Italy: 10% Rossi -90% Marquez – Rossi was right when spoke about unfair attention from the Spaniard.
UK: 50-50 – Marquez should not have been in that position spoiling in the first place, but Rossi overreacted.
Germany: 98-02 – Completely unfair move by Rossi who cracked due to pressure. Clever mind play by Marquez, doubtful motivation though.

France: 75-25 – Unfair and tense move by Valentino Rossi, but Marquez was clearly in a provocative position. This is competition, anyway.

WAS ROSSI’S PUNISHMENTFAIR?
Spain: Absolutely yes, no-one can break the rules. If he had escaped punishment it would have changed motorsport.
Italy: No, he doesn’t deserve such a punishment.
UK: Probably yes. Though it was also rather convenient that it set up this amazing final race scenario.
Germany: Absolutely, Deliberately making other riders crash is not acceptable.
France: The FIM made a good decision. Court of Arbitration for Sport too. Rossi had to be punished.