The 2021 Austrian MotoGP race which took place at the Red Bull Ring Circuit on (Sunday (15/8/2021) occurred with a lot of drama. The drama related closely with veteran Italian rider, Valentino Rossi. Rossi started the 2021 Austrian MotoGP race from the sixth row, in 18th position to be exact. However, starting from 18th position did not dampen the spirit of Valentino Rossi, who this season is racing with the Petronas Yamaha SRT satellite team.
He slowly rose to penetrate the top 10 with only four laps to go in the race. At this moment, the race is being led by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda). He was followed by Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) who finished second and third respectively.
Shortly after, a series of drama ensued. The riders in the leading group entered the pits to change motorbikes, which were prepared if the track conditions turned wet. Replacement of this bike is permitted considering the white flag which has been flown when the track starts to rain.
Marc Marquez and other riders in the leading group were forced to change motorbikes when there were only two laps left in the race. As a result, the race position immediately changed and Valentino Rossi was one of the riders who took advantage of this situation.
When the front row riders entered the pits, Valentino Rossi stole the top three with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing). Valentino Rossi is in third place, while Brad Binder and Aleix Espargaro are in first and second respectively.
At this stage, Valentino Rossi is on the podium track. He has the opportunity to reach the 200th podium in the MotoGP premier class. Rossi has been waiting for this moment for a long time. He last won the podium in MotoGP last season.
However, the opportunity ran aground after he was overtaken by several riders on the last lap. Rossi immediately dropped to eighth place with Aleix Espargaro who had to be willing to finish in 10th place after occupying the two leading positions. Meanwhile, Brad Binder continued to lead the race until he reached the finish line.
Brad Binder is also confirmed to be the winner of the 2021 Austrian MotoGP race which is filled with a lot of drama. He was ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) who finished second and third respectively.
Meanwhile, Valentino Rossi successfully ended the race by finishing in eighth position after almost reaching the 200th podium in his career in the MotoGP class. After crossing the finish line, Valentino Rossi was warmly welcomed and received congratulations from several riders.
In addition, a flag with Rossi’s face and the number 46, flown by helicopter, was also seen passing over the Red Bull Ring Circuit. This is a form of appreciation for Valentino Rossi, who will retire at the end of the 2021 season. For Rossi, this will also be his last race at the Red Bull Ring Circuit.
Rossi managed to maximize this moment by finishing in eighth place after the previous series, MotoGP Styria, was only able to rank 13th. Thus, Rossi’s achievement in the Austrian MotoGP race feels special, especially with the many dramas that adorn him. In addition to the drama of changing motorbikes and Rossi who almost won the 200th podium, the course of the Austrian MotoGP was also colored by the incident that happened to Marc Marquez.
Marc Marquez, who had led the race, actually fell when the race only had two laps left, shortly after he came out of the pits to change motorbikes. Luckily, Marc Marquez was still able to continue the race even though he was only able to finish in 15th position and bring home 1 point.
ASL
