Ian Wheeler: “Rossi has every intention of winning”

As Valentino Rossi made his return to competitive action motogp.com’s Ian Wheeler assessed an interesting day of action at Sachsenring, where the Italian placed seventh in FP1, with Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo sixth.

“Jorge Lorenzo doesn’t look like a man under pressure with the return of Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa setting the fastest lap today, and I’m sure we’ll see him bounce back tomorrow,” said Ian. “I think he realises, like other people as well, that Valentino Rossi isn’t here to make up the numbers for the rest of the season. I think Rossi has every intention of winning this Championship this year, or doing his best to. I’m sure if it comes to it Lorenzo won’t risk his Championship lead and will ride for the points on Sunday.”

Ian was also impressed by the rides of Ben Spies and Marco Simoncelli, who were fourth and fifth respectively in the opening session.

“It was another impressive performance from Ben Spies, who has never been to Sachsenring before, and I think the fact he can learn the track so well and know how to get the best out of the bike on it shows what a phenomenal talent he is,” stated Ian. “Marco Simoncelli has been getting better every week and the confidence is back for him. He’s happy to push and now we’re seeing the results of that. I would say he would be good for a top five finish on Sunday.”

You can test your own expertise against that of Ian’s by playing the Official Fantasy MotoGP 2010 game. Submit your predictions for Sunday’s race now and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes!