Editing Valentino Rossi (section)

=====2010=====
[[File:Valentino Rossi 2010 Qatar GP 2.jpg|thumb|right|Rossi celebrates victory in the [[2010 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix|2010 Qatar Grand Prix]].]]
With two consecutive titles won, Rossi was once again the favourite to win the championship going into the 2010 season and this seemed even more likely after he topped all but one of the pre-season testing sessions over the winter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/157871/1/stoner-topples-rossi-as-2010-testing-ends |title=Stoner topples Rossi as 2010 testing ends|date=19 March 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142633/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/157871/1/stoner-topples-rossi-as-2010-testing-ends|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rossi started off the first few races well. He won the first race of the season in Qatar after early leader Casey Stoner crashed out, took third place in [[2010 Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix|Spain]] even though he had an injured shoulder sustained from a motocross accident two weeks earlier – the race being won by his teammate Jorge Lorenzo after a last-lap pass in the Dry Sack corner on Honda's Dani Pedrosa – and a pole-podium in the form of a second place in [[2010 French motorcycle Grand Prix|France]] where Lorenzo claimed back-to-back wins for the first time in his MotoGP career.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/158651/1/rossi-wins-qatar-thriller-stoner-falls.html |title=Rossi takes Qatar GP win|date=11 April 2010|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715161726/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/158651/1/rossi-wins-qatar-thriller-stoner-falls.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/159342/1/rossi-i-played-it-safe.html |title=Rossi: This just wasn't our race this year|date=3 May 2010|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002707/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/159342/1/rossi-i-played-it-safe.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159319/1/lorenzo-defeats-pedrosa-with-last-lap-jerez-win |title=Lorenzo defeats Pedrosa with last lap Jerez win|date=2 May 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142635/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159319/1/lorenzo-defeats-pedrosa-with-last-lap-jerez-win|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159972/1/lorenzo-breaks-rossi-for-le-mans-win.html |title=Lorenzo wins in Le Mans|date=23 May 2010|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042528/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/159972/1/lorenzo-breaks-rossi-for-le-mans-win.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The injury Rossi had was not taken seriously initially and was expected to cure in a few weeks, but that did not turn out as expected and the ligament tear in his shoulder failed to heal sufficiently.

In round four in [[2010 Italian motorcycle Grand Prix|Italy]], things took a turn for the worse for Rossi. He highsided his YZR-M1 in one of the fast right-left combinations – the Biondetti corner – during the second free practice in around {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. He suffered a displaced compound fracture of his right [[tibia]]. This crushed any hopes of him winning the 2010 title, and after post-surgical care close to his home in the hospital in [[Cattolica]], it was clear that he was out of contention for the next two or three months.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8723843.stm |title=Valentino Rossi breaks leg in Italian MotoGP|date=5 June 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 June 2010|archive-date=3 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203023440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8723843.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/236693/doctors-tell-rossi-he-s-out-for-six-months/ |title=Doctors tell Rossi he's out for six months|date=11 June 2010|work=moto.gpupdate.net|publisher=GPUpdate|access-date=11 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613194739/http://moto.gpupdate.net/en/motogp-news/236693/doctors-tell-rossi-he-s-out-for-six-months/|archive-date=13 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/05/valentino-rossi-fractures-leg |title=Valentino Rossi fractures leg in practice for Italian grand prix|date=5 June 2010|website=The Guardian|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142630/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jun/05/valentino-rossi-fractures-leg|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first time that Rossi had missed a race in his Grand Prix career, and allowed his title rivals – Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Stoner – to gain points, podiums and wins while he was absent for the Italian, [[2010 British motorcycle Grand Prix|British]], [[2010 Dutch TT|Dutch]] and [[2010 Catalan motorcycle Grand Prix|Catalan]] rounds.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84151 |title=Rossi sidelined with shin bone fracture|date=5 June 2010|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|access-date=7 June 2010|first1=Toby|last1=Moody|author-link=Toby Moody|first2=Matt|last2=Beer|archive-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608125209/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84151|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ahead of the British Grand Prix, [[Suzi Perry]] reported in her ''Daily Telegraph'' column that Rossi was planning on making a comeback in [[2010 Czech Republic motorcycle Grand Prix|Brno]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/suziperry/7826605/MotoGP-Silverstone-preview.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/suziperry/7826605/MotoGP-Silverstone-preview.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Rossi to return in Czech Republic|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Suzi|last=Perry|author-link=Suzi Perry|date=18 June 2010|access-date=13 July 2010|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This was confirmed a week later by Rossi himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8765421.stm |title=Valentino Rossi optimistic on target date for return|date=26 June 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 July 2010}}</ref> On 7 July, Rossi rode in [[Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli|Misano]] on a [[Superbike World Championship]]-specification [[Yamaha YZF-R1]] provided by the Yamaha World Superbike Team to test his leg's recovery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Valentino+Rossi+test+ride+in+Misano+today |title=Valentino Rossi test ride in Misano today|date=7 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=7 July 2010|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203215648/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Valentino+Rossi+test+ride+in+Misano+today|url-status=dead}}</ref> He completed 26 laps during two runs, with a best lap time that was around two seconds off the pace of recent World Superbike times in the circuit. In the conclusion of the session, Rossi complained of discomfort, reporting pain in both his leg and his shoulder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85050 |title=Rossi still in pain in comeback test|first=Matt|last=Beer|date=7 July 2010|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=9 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709043546/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85050|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/valentino+rossi+completes+succesful+misano+outing |title=Valentino Rossi completes test in Misano|date=7 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=29 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229072945/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/valentino+rossi+completes+succesful+misano+outing|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 12 July, Rossi took part in another test in [[Masaryk Circuit|Brno]], after which Rossi stated he was happier and a lot more in form.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8795830.stm |title=Rossi eyeing German comeback|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 July 2010|access-date=13 July 2010|archive-date=31 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000355/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/8795830.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

After an observation by the Chief Medical Officer on the Thursday before the German GP weekend and missing four rounds, Rossi returned in [[2010 German motorcycle Grand Prix|Germany]] and remarkably finished just off the podium in fourth position after losing out to Casey Stoner on the final corner, starting fifth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161595/1/title-battle-reignited-as-rossi-returns-in-germany |title=Title battle reignited as Rossi returns in Germany|date=14 July 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142816/https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161595/1/title-battle-reignited-as-rossi-returns-in-germany|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161682/1/rossi-loses-out-to-stoner-in-comeback-podium-battle.html |title='Fantastic' result for Rossi|date=19 July 2010|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716160958/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161682/1/rossi-loses-out-to-stoner-in-comeback-podium-battle.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/moto/pedrosa-wins-in-germany_sto2402304/story.shtml |title=Pedrosa wins in Germany|date=18 July 2010|website=Eurosport|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=31 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031000356/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned two rounds earlier than predicted, and only 41 days after his accident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+return |title=Rossi is back!|date=15 July 2010|work=MotoGP.com|publisher=Dorna Sports|access-date=15 July 2010|archive-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204002950/http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/rossi+return|url-status=dead}}</ref> In round 9 of the season, held in the [[2010 United States motorcycle Grand Prix|United States]], Rossi took his first podium since his broken leg seven weeks ago in Mugello, overtaking the Honda of Andrea Dovizioso in the process. The race was won by Lorenzo after Pedrosa crashed out of the lead.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161929/1/valentino-rossi-amazes-with-rehab-podium.html |title=Rossi celebrates podium return|date=25 July 2010|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002732/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/161929/1/valentino-rossi-amazes-with-rehab-podium.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/161924/1/lorenzo-wins-us-gp-pedrosa-falls-from-lead |title=Lorenzo wins US GP, Pedrosa falls from lead|date=25 July 2010|website=Crash.net|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142736/https://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/161924/1/lorenzo-wins-us-gp-pedrosa-falls-from-lead|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next two rounds, in the Czech Republic and [[2010 Indianapolis motorcycle Grand Prix|Indianapolis]], Rossi scored lackluster results by finishing fifth and fourth.

In his "home race" in [[2010 San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Grand Prix|San Marino]], Rossi scored another third place behind race-winner Pedrosa and second-place Lorenzo. The race was marred by the death of the Japanese Moto2 rider [[Shoya Tomizawa]], who was hit in high speed by [[Alex de Angelis]] and [[Scott Redding]] after he fell in the fast right-hander of the Misano circuit on lap 12 and succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2010/09/05/shoya-tomizawa-killed-in-moto2-horror-crash-at-san-marino-gp-3435597/ |title=Shoya Tomizawa killed in Moto2 horror crash in San Marino GP|date=5 September 2010|website=Metro.co.uk|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142633/https://metro.co.uk/2010/09/05/shoya-tomizawa-killed-in-moto2-horror-crash-at-san-marino-gp-3435597/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the new venue in [[2010 Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix|Aragón]], Rossi was again off the pace and finished in sixth position. He bounced back by scoring another third-place podium in [[2010 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix|Japan]], the race being moved from April to October due to the [[Air travel disruption after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption|disruption of air travel]] after the [[2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull|second eruption]] of the [[Eyjafjallajökull]] volcano in [[Iceland]]. Rossi battled with teammate Lorenzo for the bottom step of the podium during the race, which was won by Casey Stoner, but by now had a 69-point lead in the championship over second place Dani Pedrosa.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/9055324.stm |title=Stoner seals Japanese MotoGP win|date=3 October 2010|access-date=17 April 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417142634/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/9055324.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[2010 Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix|Malaysia]], Rossi took a stunning victory by winning the race from eleventh position, battling with the Honda of Dovizioso for the win multiple times. Rossi had qualified sixth, but lost multiple positions in the first set of corners after a poor getaway. He overtook multiple riders, including Lorenzo, to fight for the lead with Dovizioso on a few occasions, but held on to finish ahead of him with just 0.224 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/164162/1/rossi-ends-losing-streak-at-sepang-lorenzo-champion.html |title=Rossi wins in Malaysia but Lorenzo is champion|date=10 October 2010|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715180342/http://www.crash.net/motogp/race-report/164162/1/rossi-ends-losing-streak-at-sepang-lorenzo-champion.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was his first win since the accident in June, and his second win of the season. However, Lorenzo won the title, finishing in third place when he needed ninth or higher to win the title.

After his win in Malaysia, Rossi continued to impress by scoring a third place in [[2010 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix|Australia]], a second place in [[2010 Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix|Portugal]] and a final third place in the [[2010 Valencian Community motorcycle Grand Prix|Valencian Community]] rounds.

Rossi finished third in the championship with 233 points, 150 points behind champion Jorge Lorenzo and 12 points behind runner-up Dani Pedrosa. Rossi collected ten podiums throughout the season, including five consecutive podiums in the season's final run.<ref>{{cite web|work=Crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/164850/1/final-2010-motogp-world-championship-standings.html |title=2010 MotoGP points standings|date=7 November 2010|access-date=7 November 2010|archive-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715181121/http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/164850/1/final-2010-motogp-world-championship-standings.html|url-status=live}}</ref>