The biggest effect is on the fans. And on Dorna – flip sides of the same coin. It is 24 years since his first title, and 12 years since the last one, but his yellow-clad support army has not dwindled. If anything, the reverse. None of his title successors, try as they might, can command anything like the grandstand space … not even Marc Marquez.
Race attendances and TV figures peaked for Rossi, even when his results slumped. Dorna will be hard pressed to absorb his absence.
This is a problem a long time in the making. The question has often been raised: What happens when Rossi goes. Now we find out.
The impact on the riders is also huge. It’s been years since he was the prime target – the man everyone had to beat. But his influence runs much deeper. His departure destabilises an already uncertain rider market.
Most of all, with the 42-year-old calling time on the same weekend that class rookie Jorge Martin. aged just 23 taking a first MotoGP win, it confirms and underlines the changing of the guard. A new generation has taken over.
MotoGP is once again a young man’s game.
The details span the paddock and the classes.
Yamaha are now obliged to make two replacements rather than just the one for Vinales.
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