Valentino Rossi has spoken of MotoGP riders' growing concerns over crowd invasions on to tracks before races have ended.
The world championship leader, known for his post-race antics whenever he wins a grand prix, said he believed the practice of crowds spilling onto tracks was presenting a danger both to riders and to spectators, and made particular reference to the invasion that occured at Donington last weekend.
"In Mugello it was more dangerous because the people crossing [the straight] but in Donington they were half-and-half so it was less dangerous," he said. "But they hit you on the head and in the arms and because you go quite fast... it hurts.
"We have to try something in Mugello and Donington because people have to wait to the last [cooling down] lap."
"Melandri arrived late and people were already on the track."
Other riders have mentioned that it affected their race at Donington, but without a change in the eventual race result.
"This is a big problem because we are always very lucky that nothing happens. Very lucky, because if something happens, there will be a problem.
"In Mugello they tried three rows of wire, but in Donington I think it is quite easy [for the fans to get on the track]. For sure we will speak about Donington tomorrow in the safety commission.
"It is normal when you have a lot of people and they want to come under the podium as it is a good atmosphere."
Some years ago the crowd were denied a cooling down lap at Donington because of similar issues. Riders instead peeled off the track just as they crossed the line, turning left at Redgate and then into Parc Ferme through the paddock.
The organisers then re-instated the cooling lap to entertain the crowd, but it seems riders may opt to take the short route, unless something is done to contain the public until all the bikes have finished the race.
In Philip Island there is a controlled crowd invasion, but only as the last rider crosses the line.
At Jerez in 1996 the crowd ultimately did affect the race result when a track invasion caused Alex Criville to hesitate on last lap, allowing Mick Doohan through. Criville then crashed at the final corner in a bid to re-take the lead.

Valentino Rossi furious at British GP track invasion

By Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi has blasted fans that invaded the circuit before the end of Sunday’s British GP at Donington Park.

The Fiat Yamaha rider voiced his anger in Assen today after the end of the British GP was marred by a mass track invasion that started before the end of the 30-lap race.

Despite warnings on big TV screens and announcements by course commentator Fred Clarke not to invade the circuit, hundreds of fans poured onto the track while some of the field were still racing.

Some of the scenes, which saw reigning world champion Casey Stoner come in for abuse from fans, has been condemned by Rossi, who finished the race second.

He likened Sunday’s scenes similar to those witnessed at his home clash in Mugello, which is the other circuit where organiser's have failed to maintain crowd control at the end of the race.

The worst incident saw factory Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen narrowly avoid hitting a fan as he crossed the line flat-out in fourth gear.

“Sunday was as bad as Mugello, “said Rossi. “In Mugello it is more dangerous because the people are crossing the track. In Donington the people are a little bit cleverer and it is less dangerous. We have to do something in Mugello and Donington.

"The people have to wait for the last lap. Some people said to me that (Marco) Melandri arrived late and there were a lot of fans on the track on the last lap before the finish while he was still racing and it is very, very dangerous.

"This is a big problem because we are very lucky that nothing has happened. When something does it becomes a big problem.

"In Mugello they have tried everything. Three rows of wire fencing but in Donington it is quite easy to get onto the track but we will speak in the Safety Commission about this. It is a problem and we have to fix this.”

Rossi was also angered by the level of physical punishment he took as he tried desperately to get back to the safe haven of pitlane.

The 29-year-old was hit several times on the arms and head by fans wishing to congratulate him, but Rossi said: “They are punching my arms and head and it is a lot of pain because you are still going quite fast. I was going through and people are hitting me and you say ‘f***ing b****rd.”

It never happens here at Sepang and how I wish we can!!! But now I know he does not approve it base on the safety issue, it's better we keep it safe then.

I'm all for the invasions to be stopped just so long as gathering under the podium is not stopped also. The riders all love the fans around the podium with them when they celebrate.

The invaders ruined it for us, we only got a wave off Pedrosa .Vale and the others were trying not to hit anyone on the track so we didn't get to see any celebrations Thankfully we made it to the podium for the presentations tho

I am fan Rossi...i wish more than everything to meet him...but i give him right
i rememeber that somebody told me that this year at mugello that was saved by the security mans, because all were full of blood

Never happened in Shanghai. I always think it's wonderful to get on the tracks and stay as close as you can to be with him. Vale is right, though it may great feeling to fans but it also dangeous to both riders and fans.

The 29-year-old was hit several times on the arms and head by fans wishing to congratulate him, but Rossi said: “They are punching my arms and head and it is a lot of pain because you are still going quite fast. I was going through and people are hitting me and you say ‘f***ing b****rd.”

Will the person who called Valentino this names please come forward and confront me

i think he say that when people hit him

Oh okay then...he is allowed to say that