The Story Behind Valentino Rossi's Blue Bandage Celebration At The 1997 Sentul MotoGP

JAKARTA - Valentino Rossi is a big magnet for the MotoGP world-class racing event. His behavior often provokes the attention of the camera. Moreover, the actions to celebrate his victory were eccentric. Even the action has been done since MotoGP was still called the GP500. In the 1997 Sentul GP500, for example. Rossi's success in ruling the Sentul International Circuit made him climb the podium in an eccentric manner. He appeared with blue bandages covering his face. Like someone just had an accident. Turns out, there is a story behind it.

Sentul International Circuit was once the pride of the Indonesian nation. At that time, Sentul was transformed into the largest and grandest circuit in the entire country. The splendor is represented by a series of facilities it has. The paddock, pit, racer's lounge, helicopter pad, and medical care unit are all present in Sentul.

The availability of these facilities is even entirely in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). A world organization that organizes the Formula 1 (F1) world championship. Therefore, many national and international racing events held their celebrations in Sentul. The most prestigious motorcycle racing event in the universe, the GP500, especially.

Indonesia also got a schedule to host the GP500 for the first time in 1996. The event was able to provoke the interest of the Indonesian people. No less than 100 thousand spectators filled the circuit to see their idol racer compete. President Suharto, one of them.

The Smiling General became the main character who opened the race. Suharto was also the one who gave trophies to the champions of the GP500 main class. According to him, Indonesia has benefited a lot from the implementation of the GP500. The event brought Indonesia's name and tourism to the world. This is because the program was broadcast live on television in 58 countries, with a total audience of 400 million people.

"The Marlboro Indonesia Grand Prix for the second and last time was held at the Sentul Circuit on September 28, 1997, and at that time Roberto Nosetto, the leader of the Indonesian MotoGP circuit, stated that Indonesia's image in the world automotive sport had been increasing."

"Roberto's statement is not unreasonable, because in the same year (1996-1997) in North Sumatra the world car rally championship (WRC: World Rally Championship) was held in North Sumatra. Meanwhile, the 125 CC motocross world championship was held in Yogyakarta (1995, 1996, 1997), and the 250 CC motocross world championship was held in Jatinangor, Bandung 2-3 August 1997," said AR Loebis as quoted by Sugiono MP in the book Selamat Jalan Pak Harto: Documents of Departure. Leader of the Nation (2008).

Rossi's Stage

The Sentul GP500 event in 1996 was a huge success. Likewise, the second Sentul GP500 event which was held in 1997 on September 28, 1997. The experience of competing in Sentul made an imprint on the hearts of many racers. Valentino Rossi, for example. Rossi, who at that time defended the banner of the Scuderia AGV Aprilia team, looked promising. Even then, he was still competing in the GP125 class.

It may be that Rossi has been confirmed as world champion in the GP125 class, but his winning mentality has never been extinguished. Especially slack off. He still looks competitive. Rossi, who started the race from fourth position, immediately spurred his iron horse to be at the forefront. Interesting match and then show it. Rossi was finally able to snatch the first position and leave his opponents behind. He also acknowledged that the 26 lap race was one of the defining moments in his career.

“In 1996 and 1997, I competed in Sentul and I will never forget Jakarta. I hope to come back here again,” said Rossi when he visited Indonesia in 2009.

Rossi also managed to win the race with a time of 41 minutes 14.5 seconds. Rossi is three seconds ahead of Kazuto Sakata who is in the second position. Rossi was five seconds ahead of the third winner, Jorge “Aspar” Martinez. Rossi also broke the record for the fastest circuit lap (fastest lap), 1 minute 34 seconds.

Weird Action

Another interesting sight emerged when the three owners of number 46 took the podium. Rossi looks striking by wearing a blue bandage that covers part of his head. This odd action was added by Rossi sticking a bag of ice cubes behind his head. The display demonstrated by Rossi was like someone who had just had an accident.

It turns out that the action was carried out by Rossi because a few days earlier he had an accident. Rossi was involved in a car accident after holding a party in his hometown, Tavullia, Italy. The party for Rossi was quite special. Because the man nicknamed The Doctor celebrated his success in becoming the MotoGP world champion in the GP125 class.

The party made Rossi happy, not playing. He didn't even notice that it was getting late. Unfortunate can't be denied. The Porsche 928 that Rossi and his father were traveling in had a single accident on the way home.

The accident left Rossi injured and traumatized. After that, Rossi thought of parodying his condition when he had an accident. That said, as gratitude can rise.

“Rossi celebrated his first title right before he left for Indonesia. On his way home he had an accident with a Porsche 928 which was supposed to be tested by the Graziano Circuit. His head was hurt. And his head was wrapped in bandages. Even so, Rossi can be funny by using a bandage while on the podium in the rest of the MotoGP race in Sentul, Indonesia," wrote Michel Turco in the book Rossi: Die Legende (2019).