MotoGP: Software glitch likely cause of Valentino Rossi’s Valencia retirement

Yamaha has revealed a software glitch in its electronics system was the probable cause of Valentino Rossi’s Valencia retirement last Sunday that cost the Italian second place in the MotoGP world championship.

The precise cause of Valentino Rossi’s retirement in Valencia though, which handed race winner Dani Pedrosa second place in the final standings, is still under investigation in Japan.

Mechanical failure was ruled out on Sunday night after thorough checks revealed no component had broken, turning attention to the sophisticated electronics system on Rossi’s factory YZR-M1.

Engineers now believe a software problem caused Valentino Rossi’s bike to suddenly snap sideways on the entry to turn one as he fought for the top 15 finish he needed to secure second place behind world champion Casey Stoner.

Valentino Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio told MCN; “It is still under investigation. It looks like the problem is more on the electronics system, particularly the software.

“There was no mechanical part broken but something happened in our software. When Valentino arrived at the first corner something locked and this was due to the electronics.

“Something happened with the software, or let’s say something happened and the software wasn’t prepared to accept. They are investigating in Japan, checking the software and updating it to avoid this problem in the future.

“From the bike it was difficult for Valentino to judge whether it was mechanical or electronic. When you are at that speed you also need to be wary about something serious.”

Valentino Rossi slammed Yamaha after the race, which he had bravely started with three broken bones in his right hand after a massive qualifying crash.

The Italian will be back on track later this month a three-day test session in Jerez. He will use Bridgestone tyres for the first time in Spain.