Valentino Rossi confused ahead of Sepang clash

Valentino Rossi has admitted his brilliant last-gasp podium finish in Sunday’s Japanese MotoGP race has thrown him a big curve ball ahead of this weekend’s Sepang race in Malaysia.

The Italian wasn’t expecting to be so competitive at the Twin Ring Motegi, the 31-year-old concerned that his severely weakened right shoulder would struggle to hold up to the demands of the hard braking points at the stop-and-go circuit.

But Rossi was arguably in his best physical condition since he returned from a broken right leg injury in mid-July, the shoulder he damaged in a motocross training accident in April giving him little concern.

He finished third to claim his first podium since the American MotoGP in Laguna Seca and won an epic late scrap with Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

Asked by MCN whether he felt his performance in Japan meant he would be just as competitive in Sepang and the forthcoming Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island, Rossi said: “In one way yes. 

“But in the other way maybe more confusion because I expected to be in a big trouble in Japan and maybe better in Malaysia and maybe better also in Phillip Island.

“But I was okay in Japan. So my question is, maybe it’s worse in Malaysia and Phillip Island. I don’t know, we have to wait but I love Sepang and Phillip Island. If I don’t have a lot of pain I think I can make some good results also there.

“Sepang is a great track for me, and one of my favourites. I was very, very fast during the winter. So I want to make another weekend like this and be always in front.”

Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo can clinch his first MotoGP world title this weekend, the Spaniard needing just six-points to be crowned Rossi’s successor with Dani Pedrosa out injured.