So...the most successful motorcycle racer of all time does not have a chance of winning another championship because he spent a few years on bike that he couldn't compete with? Really..?
Well as long as we are making ridiculous statements, I'll have a go... I'll admit up front I'm a huge Rossi fan and, I think Stoner is a bit of a punk, so brace yourselves.
Stoners best talent lies in his luck for jumping on good bikes at opportune times. 2007, the Ducati undeniably ran away from a pack struggling with new 800cc rules. They got a great package right from the jump and capitalized...cheers to them. 2011, Honda's multi-stage transmission dominates the podium. All factory riders were raving about the transmission and how seamlessly it put power down between shifts. With that said, Stoner is without a doubt a talented rider, but he could learn a thing or two from a guy like Hayden.
Lorenzo; been watching him race through 250's and it was obvious then, he is an exceptional racer. He may have the stuff to surpass even the Dr. But only time will tell.
Dani...well, he does not need broken legs to loose to VR on the M1. He was doing that just fine when he was healthy.
For many, there is more to Rossi's appeal than just win's. Yes, he is on paper arguably the greatest road racer of all time. But he has charisma and seems to enjoy being in the atmosphere...being a racer! For those of us who plastered our walls with race bikes and dreamed of champainge, umbrella girls and sweet victory, he IS the guy living the life. I was at Laguna Seca 2 weeks ago and no body spent more time signing autographs and taking pictures than Rossi. I heard one of the old security gaurds talking to the new guy saying "the fans get crazy around this guy, he's not like the others...and the worst part is he wont stop signing autographs..." I had to laugh. If you don't like him, that's cool, but don't forget who he is, and what he is capable of.