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Can Valentino Rossi make it a magnificent seven?
Published in The Telegraph - 30/05/08 For me, sport is about passion. It's about legions of admirers from all walks of life pulling together to celebrate one person or one team's supremacy, their dedication, talent and, hopefully, their exuberance at the moment of victory. However, when that moment becomes routine, the competition can lose its sparkle, which is why many felt that the races last season had become relatively dull: Ducati's Casey Stoner was way ahead of the rest and kept on winning. It was great for his points tally but proved less positive for his media profile - unless you carry bag-loads of personality and have charisma oozing from every pore, you end up being dubbed dull. A world champion doesn't have to combine natural talent with being a giddy clown; there are many gifted number ones who have little to say and still deserve their accolades. But when a talent emerges who exudes emotion, then the fans and commentators can't help but become immersed. |