Rossi's Smart

The best piece of 2011 Rossi merchandise so far has to be this Smart car I spotted last week in the Jerez paddock. Maybe Vale himself will have one as it would easily fit into a corner of his humungous new motor home I posted on here a few weeks ago. I was down there with Taylor for the final round of the Spanish Championship (CEV) and just like BSB there was a great end of season atmosphere in the paddock. He qualified third and finished sixth so we downed a few sangrias to celebrate.

Fifteen year old Spaniard Maverick Vinalles was crowned 125cc champion with a safe second place in the race while Portuguese rider Miguel Oliviera cleared off at the front. Oliviera must have been cursing the DNF he had at Albacete earlier in the year as otherwise he would have easily taken the title. Ifs and buts eh? Both are surely destined for World Championship success but the season hasn’t gone quite so well for Alex Marquez, the younger brother of 2010 125cc World Champion Marc.

Riding the Monlau Competition Aprilia he has only managed three point scoring finishes this year with a best result of sixth in the seven round championship.  So far, he doesn’t appear to have the same magic as his seventeen year old sibling even although he is on the very best equipment.  All year long I’ve been impressed with their father as he remains very much in the background while looking very dignified and intelligent. I guessed he was possibly an architect, lawyer or maybe even a doctor but I found out last weekend he pays the bills by driving diggers. I’m reliably informed he always has, always will, and loves them. I hope Alex improves next season otherwise there might be a JCB training course in the pipeline for young Alex.

By Niall Mackenzie