Great post as usual. However, may I make a bit of a distinction? I think there is a difference between a "tow" and a "draft". I think a rider following a faster one gets a "tow" when they try to follow and match lines, and if close enough, get a "draft" at the end of the lap on the straight. By Rossi following Stoner around, he in effect got this "tow" because he's 'stealing' (or if you prefer) 'copying' the front rider's lines. I just read a report
this, where the writer takes a rather bias take on Stoner, and says Rossi was not close enough to get a "tow". But I contend, following the rider ahead is in effect the same thing, because the trailing rider is using the tactic to get a better lap. The interesting thing is they got identical lap times. So Rossi was able to make a carbon copy of Stoner's lap. So, I'd call it a "tow".
As to the issue of whether it is acceptable or extraordinary for practice. Perhaps not, as you say buddy. It happens all the time and no rule against it, right? Perfectly legal. But we both know
both men have commented in the past at their annoyance when somebody has got a "tow” or "followed" them. It is some unspoken rule, right? Since we've heard other riders take issue when being followed as well. I suppose its because these guys are so competitive that they can't stand the thought of somebody else benefiting from what they perceive as their doing (i.e. Rossi's annoyance that Lorenzo was benefiting from 'his' development). So Casey's annoyance is not justified in isolation, since I don't think Rossi has done much "towing" off Stoner. However, I think most of them view this type of tactic as mildly loathsome, a bit dastardly, maybe even cowardly, hence Stoner calling Vale out.
As to the mind game part of this incident, I'd say Stoner was simply annoyed at Rossi for following him, and perhaps he thought Vale was closer to him than the camera showed. Stoner probably thought Rossi was on his heals. And who knows, Rossi may have been trying to keep up.
As you say, only Rossi knows. But Stoner decided he was annoyed enough to call Rossi out. And here is where I think it has now annoyed Rossi. Being called out on trying to learn something from Stoner, or "steal" his lines, puts Rossi in the role having to defend himself as not being the master. This cuts deep. That's twice now Stoner has pushed back saying Rossi isn't as talented as him. That ego is taking a big hit, hence why Rossi had to retort with "I think he's forgotten who I am" and now "I don't think Stoner likes me". Its hilarious to be sure, but its also reveals a hit to his ego. Being accused of using this "dirty" tactic hurts because the standard belief is, Rossi doesn't use it or need it, only others get tows from Rossi.
Were Stoner's comments over the top? Yes. In isolation, its a bit harsh. When taken in context of their rivalry and the badgering that Rossi has engaged in with Stoner, not to mention Rossi's history with other riders, well then, it a bit of pushback. Plus Casey has the added standing that Rossi actually punted him at Jerez (though Casey has done a good job of repeatedly saying it was just a racing incident and mistake).
It’s all very hilarious. I had lots of fun with it yesterday, as you could imagine. I won't be surprised if Rossi, if given the chance, will put a hard move on Stoner, lets face it, he has nothing to lose. So yeah, it’s not good to tease a shark. But in the past, Rossi has played the shark as you alluded, he did his fair share of taunting, and it seemed those others folded. Stoner, if nothing else, is at very least standing up for himself, at worst is sounding like Rossi did when he declared his curse on Sete.
EDIT: to add, this all falls right into Lorenzo's hands.
