British MotoGP: Valentino Rossi eyes final Donington success

Regardless of what happens in Sunday’s British MotoGP race, reigning world champion Valentino Rossi will still be the most successful rider in the history of Grand Prix racing at Donington Park.

But the Fiat Yamaha rider is determined to claim an eighth victory at the Leicestershire circuit having failed to triumph on the British GP since a rain-lashed race in 2005.

Rossi arrives in England in super-confident mood, his recent impressive form helping to three wins in the last four races as he’s moved over the 100 Grand Prix victories milestone.

But Rossi is desperate to bow out at Donington Park in style, the 30-year-old looking to end Aussie Casey Stoner’s recent domination of the British GP.

The eight-times world champion said: “Last year I had a good race at Donington to finish second, but this year I really want to win! I’ve always said that Donington is one of my favourite tracks in the world – it’s fast and flowing but also technical – and also the UK is a very special place for me because for a long time it was my home.

“This is the last year we are going to race there which I am really sad about, but that makes me even more determined to try to win there, for me and for the fans who have always treated me like one of their own. I haven’t won there since 2005, which is too long and I would like to say ‘goodbye’ to the track in the best way.

“Last year we couldn’t take the fight to Stoner but this year our bike is extremely competitive and we’re arriving leading in the championship so we’re in a very strong position. We don’t have much time to rest after Sachsenring but we have a good break after this race to look forward. Let’s hope we can extend our lead even more before then.”

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