Doohan admits considering comeback

"I told them to give me some time to think about it" says multiple 500cc champ

Posted: 13 April 2010
by Visordown News

FIVE-TIME 500cc motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan has said recently he seriously thought about coming out of retirement to compete in MotoGP.

Doohan, regarded as one of the most talented and toughest riders of the modern era, said he was approached by a satellite Honda squad in need of a rider. His revelation came after Doohan's friend, and Formula One ace, Michael Schumacher announced his plans to return to F1.

The Australian, now 44, retired in 1999, after notching up 54 wins from 137 Grand Prix starts.

"I told them to give me some time to think about it," Doohan said. "I don't think it would have taken me long to get up to speed - I hadn't forgotten how to ride a bike.

"I was quite relieved when the team found someone, and I could then stop thinking about it."

Now just imagine that.

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Discuss this story

antimagneto

I nearly fell for this one. Only through personal resilience and medical prowess can Mick just walk, never mind race.

When you can find a suitable host body to take over please come back!

Till then, stick to Formula 1, or something similarly less challenging. Schumacher, who I don't exactly like, attempted a sort of reverse John Surtees/Mike Hailwood performance. No banana, and it hurt.

Get an allotment Mick, you've nowt to prove.

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 22:02

Freddo Frog

Mighty Michael Doohan will be 45 on June 4th this year. To even think for a passing moment of a return to GP shows how motivated, self-believing and self-confident these top few guys really are - and have to be at that stratospheric level. Mick, don't ever think about it again or even consider it. I have seen the man's legs in walk shorts. Honest, it looks as if a giant White Pointer has had a chew on them before spitting him back out. Horrific. Add all the other damaged bits and pieces - missing fingertips, broken bones etc etc - Mick has more than paid his dues. I appreciate he may be a little bored and miss the competitive challenge - but not for more of the same. We all know how great you were. The corner pics tell the entire story with graphic images of you sliding both ends. Put the Doohan of 1991 - 1999 back into GP and he would be right there with Rossi and Stoner for sure. But he doesn't have top prove a thing to anyone - least of all himself. Please, God - no, Mick. Not ever.

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 23:20

Joe Barker

After so many prangs and reconstructive surgery Mick should be thankfull he can still walk and use a knife and fork. He had a fantastic run and quit when it was time,he should sit back and smell the roses and maybe raise a few mini Doohans.

Posted: 14/04/2010 at 14:39

Caloom G.

Agree with all the other comments - Mick has done all he needs to do .... but you gotta admit it would be interesting to see what he could do