Rossi believes title not out of reach
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-05-23 08:58
LE MANS, France, May 22 - Five-times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi
believes he is still in with a chance of winning the world title despite being
forced to retire at the French Grand Prix at the weekend.
The Italian Yamaha rider looked set for victory on the Bugatti circuit for
the second year in succession but a blown engine eight laps from the finish left
him empty-handed.
Compatriot Marco Melandri, riding a Honda, powered to victory, while Rossi
dropped to eighth in the standings and 43 points behind American pacesetter
Nicky Hayden after five races.
"Of course it was a difficult day," said Rossi, who has dominated the top
category for the past five years.
"It's tough because I could have reduced the gap with the top drivers."
However, the 27-year-old London-based Rossi said he was satisfied with his
bike.
"But from a technical point of view, I'm happy because the bike's set-up is
okay now," he added.
Rossi was using a new chassis after suffering vibration problems during the
China GP, which he could not finish.
"So it's good news for the next race where I think a podium finish is really
possible."
EVERYTHING POSSIBLE
Rossi will start among the favourites in two weeks time at his home Grand
Prix at the Mugello, along with Melandri and Loris Capirossi, who steered his
Honda to second place ahead of rising star Dani Pedrosa of Spain.
"I think that for the end of the championship everything remains possible,"
said Rossi.
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