Repsol issue statement on Malaysian Grand Prix
In a staggering press release the title sponsor of the Honda Factory MotoGP team, Repsol, called their participation in the sport into question, following the actions of Valentino Rossi in Sepang.
The petroleum giant has issues a statement out of anger, as they believe that the Italian should’ve been dealt a bigger punishment after the “unacceptable and unsportsmanlike conduct” displayed by Rossi in Malaysia.
“Dani Pedrosa achieved a great victory today in the Malaysian Grand Prix –a win that was unfortunately overshadowed by the unacceptable and unsportsmanlike conduct of Valentino Rossi against Repsol Honda Team rider, Marc Marquez. On the seventh lap of the race, with Marquez and Rossi immersed in a battle for third place that involved several overtaking moves between the two, the Italian –in an absolutely intentional action – dealt an unsportsmanlike kick to the Repsol Honda rider that knocked him to the ground.
“Although Marquez was fortunately able to escape unharmed from the attack, for Repsol the conduct of Rossi is absolutely unacceptable because it endangered –in a premeditated and unsportsmanlike manner– the safety of the Repsol Honda team rider. Repsol consider this an unsportsmanlike act incompatible with the values of sport and competition.
“Repsol are deeply saddened that situations like that which occurred today in Sepang exist, especially as the company feel proud of sporting values: Companionship, competitive spirit and commitment from riders. Without these values, it would not make sense for Repsol to participate in the sport as a sponsor.
“Repsol also call for a clear and strong regulation in the interest of the safety and physical integrity of the riders, which punishes behaviour like that seen today clearly and decisively.”
Should Repsol walk away from the sport, it would be an massive blow to the entire sport. Repsol don’t just sponsor the Honda factory team. They also have many links to many teams right down to the Spanish Championship level.
Photo via Repsol Honda
Thats a bit of an over top top reaction.
Big woop, just another case of repsol’s self importance in motogp, leave the sport if you wish, the only people to suffer will be those involved with repsol, considerably fewer I wager than those involved in the VR46 academy.Sponsors come and go, something we’ve seen a lot of this year in motogp. Actions such as those will only harm the repsol brand and those supported by it, repsol has only a small investment in the future of the dorna series, Rossi on the other hand will stand firm in his commitment to support up and coming riders of all classes. It would be advisable that repsol stop believing they are the only reason that motogp has reached the great acclimation it has as that is clearly down to the support and involvement of Valentino, he is the savior of a series once second fiddle to wsb. Clearly without his involvement the stands by now would be empty and repsol would not be involved except for a marketing error of cataclysmic proportion.In short, wind your neck in Repsol, you are not what makes MotoGP great, Valentino Rossi is, your riders disappear with their millions while Valentino have given back on all levels. Example: Casey stoner sits by his pool in OZ passing judgement on Valentino while his only contribution has been to himself, a poor show indeed. There is only one global ambassador for motogp and it’s not you or any of your former employees or any other rider/entity currently in motogp, it’s Valentino Rossi. Besides all of the above you have as expected failed to respect the unwritten rule that if your not in the fight for the championship you should stay well out of it, your rider committed multiple sins in interfering with a championship you have lost and have no part in, show some decorum and accept it.
Very well put, I was going to comment but it appears everything has been covered here!
Totally agree.
A very immature response! from what I thought was a large professional company ,Sadly this just highlights that Repsols only concern is the protection of there long term investment in there young rider Marquez,and total domination of the worlds premium motorcycle event, and lets all be honest this young riders petulance has been seen so many times before!
Sadly this young man is the result of a pushy family, money and a desperation for Spain to control our beloved sport, even the rulebook was changed to aid his career and If Repsol think that they have such control over this sport, well that’s not good for anyone!
Bring on BSB .
This unwritten rule rubbish the yellow fever brigade keep hammering on about makes me laugh. If that is the case no point 90% ever starting. There is only one of the present four that’s ever going to win. Do you want a championship with only four riding round?
I think that everyone involved in a sport which is suffering, like everyone else, through an global recession should welcome sponsors – especially major ones – with open arms. if you think Repsol aren’t important you are deluded.
If anyone can defend Rossi’s actions then the yellow blinkers they have on should be used at the beach
Thumbs up to Lee Griffiths, you’re totally 100% correct. Marquez is the biggest instigator in this fiasco.
If he concentrated more on racing rather than harassing other riders I might have more respect for his talent but he looks like a spoiled brat and behaves like one. “If I can’t have the prize then I’ll spoil Rossi’s fun too”
For Repsol to take this position just shows they’re in good company with Marquez and in fact I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the Marquez name in the Repsol shareholders list.
Take a hike Repsol. No longer on my shopping list.