Doohan says age no issue for Rossi

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Australia’s five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan says the 2015 Pramac
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will shape up to be a crucial race in the
three-way battle for this year’s MotoGP title. 

Yamaha teammates Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi came into last weekend’s
British Grand Prix at Silverstone and tied for the championship lead, but Rossi dominated the rain-soaked event, while
reigning world champion Marc Marquez (Honda) suffered the setback of crashing. 

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will host the third-last round of the 2015
MotoGP season on October 16-18, with defending race-winner, Rossi. 

Speaking to the ‘Keeping Track’ podcast, Doohan said he has been impressed by
36-year-old Rossi’s bounce-back season. In Rossi’s 20th world championship
campaign, ‘The Doctor’ is well placed to win his first premier-class title
since 2009. 

"Age generally isn’t the issue," Doohan said. "Physically he’s in great shape and a more calculated approach to racing
has put Valentino in the position he’s in this year. There’s no reason why he
can’t end up on top this season." 

Doohan said Marquez’s fearsome speed since a spate of early-season crashes
means the 22-year-old Spaniard can’t be ruled out of the title fight. 

"He’s got to win every race essentially, (but) you wouldn’t put that past
him," Doohan said. "It’s getting harder as each race goes by, but that won’t stop him trying,
and mathematically it’s still possible." 

Doohan also spoke about Jack Miller’s maiden MotoGP season for Honda, and why
an up-and-down rookie campaign could be the making of the 20-year-old
Australian as he enters the second year of a three-year deal next season. 

Broadcast-quality audio from the interview with Doohan is available for use
free of charge at Soundcloud. 

‘Keeping Track’ is the official podcast of the Australian Grand Prix, and
features interviews with a host of key MotoGP and Formula One names at regular
intervals throughout the season.

For tickets, accommodation and more information on the 2015 Pramac Australian
Motorcycle Grand Prix, go to www.motogp.com.au.

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