
They might want to spend more time worrying about Yamaha/Michelin's tire troubles than worrying about Nicky. Or at the end of this season it's going to be Where's Rossi Now?"
He actually is keeping to his roots, most people run the #1 plate the year after they win it. Look at Spies this year, Mladin the past few years, Corser ran it. Rossi went against the norm and didnt runt it and now everybody seems to think thats the way it should be. Tradition says otherwise tho. He has bigger issues right now than that #1 plate anyway...Ouch. I like Nicky as he is an american but, he should've kept the 69 plate. Keep to your roots.
I dont think the #1 plate is so much a jinx.. as it is a target on your back for everyone else to aim at.
A champion running his regular number on a bike seems like just another rider in the field.. and seems that way to anybody.. from a first time fan who is watching his first race.. to the other racers running right beside him..
But wearing that #1 is strutting your stuff.. which is no problem if you can back it up.. but when you CANT.. you only look sillier and sillier when people with much less talent and resources than you continue to finish in front of you.. and no excuse will counter that..
It happens in any sport.. with any champion.. whenever you are introduced as the top dog.. best believe that only makes your opponent(s) more focused on beating you..