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🥺 Catalunya 2006 © Manu Fernandez

the view from my bedroom window

In the case of MotoGP, a well-timed press conference photo often captures the human element of racing and can even exacerbate drama between riders. Take Marc Marquez: Any time series rivals Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, or Valentino Rossi answer a reporter’s question, Marquez focuses his gaze on them. His dark eyes get sharp and his usual wide, toothy grin disappears. At this year’s Indianapolis Grand Prix, the early laps were like watching the History Channel—Rossi vs. Sete Gibernau or Max Biaggi. At the post-race press conference, Rossi laughed and wiped sweat from his forehead, but when he glanced in my direction, he looked disappointed. He really wanted to beat Marquez. Last year was a different story. At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Marquez beat Rossi the same way Rossi beat Casey Stoner in 2008. He shortcut the Corkscrew, passed Rossi, and went on to win. Afterward, the pair laughed like old friends and joked about the younger rider’s charisma. Rossi knows the show and so does Marquez, even “early” in his career.

marc getting makeup put on him for a photoshoot and looking like he's being tortured 💀