I can't say I'm surprised. I wonder (cynically) if Honda was offering him incentives to cancel the second year of his contract. I wonder if Zarco would be a good fit on the Repsol Honda?

The reciprocal of a retirement:

Earlier this month, Vale sat down for this great interview. He still seems like a kid. His attitude contrasts sharply with other riders who don't seem to be enjoying themselves or the people around them (lookin' at you George) and I've always wondered how he stays so motivated to do the work necessary to continue to race at the sharp end of the grid. Is it the legions of fans that greet him every time he hits the track or just a natural need to get on the bike and hone his impressive talents. Just for fun I went back and watched the race he talked about as one of his career highlights. (South African GP 2004). Great stuff. I truly think he was toying with Biaggi.

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His records may fall but he is forever the GOAT.

A sibling rivalry at 200 mph? :eek: It'll be interesting to watch as the two have been devoted to one another.

I thought Zarco was a good fit.