#things to do in qatar

[tourismguideqatar]

Exploring the Serene Beauty: Purple Island Kayaking Adventures

Nestled amidst the tranquil waters of Qatar lies a hidden gem awaiting adventurous souls and nature enthusiasts alike — the Purple Island. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this picturesque destination offers a serene retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. One of the most popular ways to explore this enchanting locale is through Purple Island kayaking adventures, an experience that promises unforgettable moments of tranquillity and discovery.

Discovering Purple Island

As you embark on your Purple Island kayaking journey, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of mangrove forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island’s unique ecosystem is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, providing ample opportunities for nature lovers to observe indigenous bird species, including herons, egrets, and flamingos, in their natural habitat.

The Allure of Kayaking

Kayaking offers a unique perspective, allowing adventurers to navigate the island’s waterways at their own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice, Purple Island kayaking tours cater to all skill levels, providing an accessible and rewarding outdoor experience. Glide silently through the mangrove tunnels, marvel at the play of light and shadow as the sun filters through the canopy above, and feel a sense of serenity wash over you with each stroke of the paddle.

Exploring Hidden Coves and Inlets

One of the highlights of Purple Island kayaking adventures is the opportunity to explore hidden coves and secluded inlets that are inaccessible by land. Paddle along meandering channels, winding your way through a labyrinth of mangroves, and discover secret alcoves where you can pause to savor the tranquility of your surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of marine life beneath the surface, from colorful fish darting among the coral reefs to sea turtles basking in the sun.

Dhow Boat Rental for a Unique Experience

For those seeking an alternative to kayaking, Dhow boat rental in Qatar offers a traditional yet equally captivating way to explore Purple Island and its surroundings. Step aboard a traditional wooden dhow and set sail on a leisurely cruise along the coast, accompanied by the gentle lapping of waves and the salty breeze of the sea. Marvel at the timeless beauty of the coastline as you relax on deck, savoring the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with every journey.

Planning Your Purple Island Adventure

Before embarking on your Purple Island kayaking expedition, it’s essential to plan ahead and consider practicalities such as equipment rental, tour packages, and pricing. Purple Island kayaking price varies depending on factors such as duration, group size, and additional services included. Be sure to inquire about guided tours led by experienced instructors who can provide valuable insights into the island’s ecology and history while ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Purple Island kayaking adventures offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, outdoor exploration, and serene tranquility. Whether you choose to paddle through mangrove tunnels, cruise aboard a traditional dhow, or simply soak in the island’s serene ambiance, you’re sure to create lasting memories of your time spent amidst this coastal paradise. So why wait? Plan your Purple Island kayaking excursion today and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery in the heart of Qatar’s natural wonders.

Contact Experience Qatar for More information.

[health-supplementproducts]

ZenCortex Supplements - Health

Sharper Mind, Clearer Hearing: My Experience with ZenCortex Supplements

Let's be honest, as we get older, things start to tick a bit differently. One of the things I noticed a decline in was my hearing. Conversations in crowded pubs felt muddled, and the telly volume seemed to be perpetually stuck on "ear-splitting." I wasn't thrilled about the prospect of bulky hearing aids, so I decided to explore some natural alternatives. That's when I stumbled upon ZenCortex Supplements.

Natural Ingredients, Promising Results

ZenCortex is a liquid supplement that focuses on supporting both hearing and cognitive function. What really appealed to me was the use of all-natural ingredients. We're talking things like grape seed extract, green tea, and maca root – ingredients I could actually pronounce! The website [mention the manufacturer's website without URL] boasts that this blend works by reducing inflammation and nourishing the inner ear cells. It also claims to improve blood flow and provide essential nutrients for optimal ear health.

A Subtle Shift, But a Welcome One

I started taking ZenCortex religiously, twice a day as directed. The easy-to-use dropper made it a breeze to incorporate into my routine. Now, it's important to note that this isn't a magic potion. Results weren't instantaneous, but after a good few weeks, I started to notice a shift. Conversations became clearer, and the background noise in pubs seemed less intrusive. The best part? The improvement felt subtle, not like my hearing was artificially amplified. It was more like a return to how things used to be.

Bonus: A Sharper Mind

One of the unexpected benefits of ZenCortex was the positive impact on my cognitive function. I found myself focusing better and feeling sharper throughout the day. Perhaps it's the improved blood flow the website mentioned, but whatever the reason, it was a welcome addition. Now, I'm not saying I've turned into Einstein overnight, but remembering names and multitasking definitely feels a touch easier.

A Word to the Wise

It's always best to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. ZenCortex does come with a money-back guarantee, which gave me some peace of mind when trying it for the first time. Overall, I've been very impressed with ZenCortex. It's a natural solution that's delivered noticeable improvements in my hearing and cognitive function. If you're looking for a way to support your overall well-being, I highly recommend giving ZenCortex a go!pen_sparktunesharemore_vert

[chaoticlandworlder]

lando: to have some of those privil- uhm privile- shit… SORRY

george: THAT’S A FINE!!

[source: @/ln4norris on X]

[visitqatarguide]

Dubai is home to some of the most stunning beach resorts in the world, offering a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf. If you’re planning a beach vacation to Dubai, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the best beach resorts. 

From world-class amenities to stunning private beaches, the beach resorts in Dubai offer an unparalleled experience for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Dubai has something to offer for everyone. 

[cerealbowlbxtch]

"lando norris wins the sprint in são paulo" vs. "lando norris gifts oscar piastri the win..." lest we forget who did the gifting here...

[aaron04jpg]

[blahblahbih]

“Oh it was for one point” “oh that doesn’t help the standings” “bla bla bla”

HE DID IT FOR LOVE

THIS WAS AN ACT OF LOVE

HAVE YOU EVER FELT GENUINE LOVE BEFORE

no one talk to me I’m on the floor

[rt3nenbaum]

esteban throwing up in his helmet, logan having to retire because he wasn't feeling good, lance could barely get out of the car and had to go get checked up and apparently alex too, max and oscar lying on the floor because they were too tired... maybe qatar is not a safe place to race idk

[lazybatata]

The man is so confident in his contract that he sleeps during the start

[tourismguideqatar]

Navigating Doha: A Closer Look at Safety for Female Travelers

Doha, emerges as a captivating destination, blending tradition, modernity, and Arabian hospitality. For female travelers eyeing journeys to this vibrant city, safety is paramount. Exploring Doha’s safety landscape is essential, especially for solo adventurers. Despite being a bustling metropolis, Doha offers a secure environment for female tourists. With a low crime rate and stringent law enforcement, travelers can confidently explore its attractions, including exhilarating desert safari tours in Qatar. The city’s welcoming atmosphere extends to its diverse cultural offerings, luxurious accommodations, and delectable cuisine. Trips to Doha promise unforgettable experiences, where women can immerse themselves in rich heritage and indulge in modern luxuries without compromising safety. As Doha continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of safety and charm for female travelers seeking memorable adventures in the heart of Qatar’s desert landscapes.

Low Crime Rates and Strict Laws: A Secure Environment

Trips to Doha are characterized by its exceptional safety standards and stringent legal framework. Doha, Qatar, showcases remarkably low crime rates, ensuring a secure environment for residents and tourists alike. The city’s commitment to safety is evident through its strict enforcement of laws, contributing to a pervasive sense of security. Visitors to Doha can explore its vibrant culture and modern amenities with confidence, knowing they are in a city prioritizing safety. Whether strolling through bustling markets or enjoying the city’s stunning architecture, travelers can immerse themselves in Doha’s attractions without concerns about personal security. The city’s reputation for safety enhances its appeal as a premier destination for travelers seeking both leisure and business opportunities, making Doha an ideal choice for memorable and worry-free trips.

Well-Developed Infrastructure: Navigating with Ease

For travelers with a stopover in Doha or Transit in Doha through the city, Doha’s modern infrastructure ensures safe and efficient navigation. The public transportation system, including buses and the Doha Metro, is reliable, offering convenient options for exploring the city. Taxis are also readily available, providing a flexible way to get around. English is widely spoken, easing communication for international visitors and making it easier to ask for directions or recommendations. Solo female travelers can feel confident exploring Doha, knowing they can rely on the city’s well-established infrastructure and the welcoming nature of its residents. Whether you’re in Doha for a short stopover or transit, the city’s infrastructure ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Read More: https://experience.qa/navigating-doha-a-closer-look-at-safety-for-female-travelers/

[health-supplementproducts]

SynoGut - New Winner In The Poop Niche Deliverable

A Gut Feeling Success Story: A Review of SynoGut

Blimey, have you ever felt like your insides were in a right old ruckus? That's exactly how I was feeling before I stumbled upon SynoGut. Now, I wouldn't normally shout about such personal matters, but considering the brilliant results I've had, I felt compelled to share my experience.

From Digestive Disaster to Sunny Disposition

For months, I'd been plagued with, well, let's just say irregular bowel movements. Let's not forget the constant bloating and discomfort that made even a cuppa tea feel like a lead balloon sitting in my stomach. I tried all sorts of things, from over-the-counter remedies to adjusting my diet – nothing seemed to do the trick. I was at my wit's end, feeling sluggish and frankly, quite grumpy.

A Beacon of Hope Arrives: SynoGut

Then, I saw an advertisement for SynoGut. Now, I'll admit, I was a tad sceptical at first. Too good to be true, right? But after reading the reviews and doing some research, I decided to give it a go. After all, what did I have to lose?

A Gentle But Effective Nudge

SynoGut is a natural supplement that contains a blend of probiotics and other gut-friendly ingredients. I started taking it as directed, and within a week, I noticed a difference. The bloating began to subside, and those pesky "irregularities" became a thing of the past.

From Gloom to Sunshine

It's been a few months now since I started taking SynoGut, and I can honestly say I feel like a new person. My digestion is regular, and that uncomfortable tightness in my stomach has vanished. I even have more energy throughout the day, which has definitely improved my mood. I'm not saying it's a miracle cure, but it's certainly made a positive difference in my life.

A Recommendation for All

If you're struggling with gut issues, I highly recommend giving SynoGut a try. It's a natural, gentle way to get your digestive system back on track. And let's face it, a happy gut means a happier you! Just remember, everyone's body is different, so what works for me might not work for everyone. But hey, it's worth a shot, isn't it?

[skitskatdacat63]

2023 Qatar Grand Prix - Qualifying - Fernando Alonso

[visitqatarguide]

14 Best Beach Resorts in Dubai – Top Rated Beach Hotels in Dubai

Dubai is home to some of the most stunning beach resorts in the world, offering a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf. If you’re planning a beach vacation to Dubai, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the best beach resorts. 

[feketeribizli]

has anyone ever considered that maybe george just finally snapped about max overshadowing all three of his wins. he turned some tables but at what cost

[livetogether--diealone]

CHARLES, friday - QATAR 23

[batsplat]

"I must say that it is very difficult to have good relations when you fight for the same thing, as I fought with Sete. The trigger was what happened in Qatar in 2004. What happened in Qatar 2004.. I saw it as something dirty that I didn't expect neither from Sete, nor from Juan Martinez, who was his technical manager and who had worked with me for a long time. I felt betrayed because it was as if I was being played. Sete was a great rival and when you fight like that it's a bit like Michael Jordan says, it's something personal. With Sete what happened in Qatar made me very angry and it helped me to give my best until the end of that season and for the next one. If I had to give Sete some advice... it's better if he hadn't done it." here's the bit from route46.. i find it interesting he puts blame on juan martinez too!

(following on from this post, and will liberally include chunks I wrote in the sete post) right there's a lot to unpack here, but first of all. I haven't gotten around to watching the whole documentary yet, but I did quickly jump around to find the sete bit the quote is from and... and there is something I absolutely have to address first. because. uh. they actually interview juan martinez - sete's crew chief himself - about the whole qatar incident... and, well. he says the following (rough translation):

At no time did either Sete or I go ask for a sanction for Valentino: we went to ask for greater security for everyone. Once we go to HRC and passed on the knowledge, that we have found a Valentino technician on the track, thus modifying the state of the track, Honda decides that moment what really needs to be done is a complaint.

hold on. just one second. I did suspect there had to be something incredibly stupid at the heart of the whole thing. something that could reconcile all the contradictory information out there, help explain how everyone could feel so confident in their contradictory views. because the whole thing should have a relatively straightforward answer, right: either sete played tattletale or he didn't. and... I mean. okay, look. I'm not saying I'm with valentino on this one but... they did snitch! objectively martinez is admitting they snitched! it happened! either this was a moment of staggering naivety because what did you think hrc was going to do with this information?? or valentino was spot on and they passed on that information knowing that it was at least a possibility valentino was going to get a penalty as a result of their actions. surely it is possible to appeal to hrc on safety grounds without bringing up you saw valentino's technician on the track, who was at the time quite possibly acting quite suspiciously under the cover of night! why are you even going to hrc about this in the first place!

you do not have to be that paranoid a soul to maybe doubt whether they had the best of intentions here, no? what this would also help clear up is sete's response at sepang when asked to deny his involvement, which. I did find it an odd response! you kind of want to give the benefit of the doubt with these things, given sete's longstanding and genuine preoccupation with safety in the sport. that being said, rather than just firmly deny he was involved, he went on this long spiel about how he would've thought it'd be better for everyone to get their grid spots cleaned - and the crux of his argument amounted to how he'd be a hypocrite if he called for valentino to be sanctioned after that. which, why are you even focused so much on this - just say no, you weren't involved! look, it was better to err on the side of caution and maybe simply assume sete isn't the most skilled operator in denying allegations of gamesmanship. but this extra detail would make sete's response in that sepang presser read a little differently:

yeah, sure, I mean, if we're going to be generous here and say sete and his crew chief just innocently mentioned to hrc that valentino's technician was rubbering up his grid slot for 'safety reasons'... then nothing sete says here is technically a lie. he didn't "complain" and it was hrc who made the protest. but. but! it does feel like if sete and his crew chief really were the ones to alert hrc to what valentino's team had done... if what martinez says is actually correct, this whole incident does still read pretty differently! you know how sete says "they" had blocked him from cleaning the grid? it feels like a pretty reasonable assumption that the "they" in question refers to hrc. if hrc blocked sete from rubbering his own grid and he then went to tell them about what valentino had done, did he really expect honda to go 'oh that's all right then, I suppose we'd better rubber up your grid slot too'? seriously? (incidentally, do we think the mechanic who gave evidence was martinez himself)

juan martinez does also go on to say this:

What he does in the end or what he has always done, that's what he does, is turn his story into his truth, which gives him his motivation and that's it. It doesn't mean that it's the truth, it means it's Valentino's truth. The fact that it is his truth or that it is my truth about some things does not mean that it is the truth. When you are fighting for something in sports, there is a moment that you lose sight of the complete picture.

which, yes, this isn't terrible as insight into valentino's character, and mayhaps we can return to this at a later date. but, also, can I just say, if you go! to hrc! to tell them the man they hate! who you are engaged in a tight championship fight with! which has only FOUR ROUNDS TO GO! has maybe had his team do something a little sketchy! and then hrc ensures he gets a penalty for it! come on. specifically after you've been blocked from doing the same thing? could you really not have expected that hrc would go on to file a complaint with race direction? seriously?

incidentally, valentino did already pin the blame on martinez at the time:

well, you can still give sete the benefit of the doubt here I suppose, if you so choose. still, is valentino really just 'telling a story here and turning it into his truth'? the generous interpretation of what happened here is that sete accidentally helped cause a back of the grid penalty, and that's the generous interpretation! hey, maybe martinez is getting his story wrong, maybe he's lying, you never know. but let's just say for a moment that this is the truth... let's just that martinez and sete really did pass on this information with innocent intentions in the name of safety. would this not still make sete's rhetoric after the event a teensy bit disingenuous? it's one thing to say 'yeah this was a misunderstanding, hrc was out for you and we accidentally helped provide the material they needed to bag you a penalty'... it's quite another to say valentino fabricated this whole thing out of thin air, like you had absolutely zero involvement in the whole thing. was this really a feud valentino just invented out of nowhere?

anyway, enough motogp-flavoured true crime investigation... and listen, I do want to reiterate what I said here:

let's be clear here - even if sete did have some involvement in the penalty, obviously valentino's response to the whole thing is still a bit bonkers. like, it's definitely petty behaviour from honda. given the whole 'using a scooter to rubber up the track' does seem like it was at the very least a bit of a grey area in the rules, hrc getting valentino penalised for it is... well, it's all pretty undignified from everyone involved. that being said, valentino did vow to destroy sete and spent the next one and a half seasons tormenting him. some people would consider that a little bit of an overreaction, even if the whole thing wasn't based wholesale on delusion. at the end of the day, he did still do all that stuff

so, anyway, let's get into it! going to go all in here and tackle this shit line by line:

"I must say that it is very difficult to have good relations when you fight for the same thing, as I fought with Sete."

right, so this is obviously a commentary on his natural understanding of how rivalries work... how he believed his relationship with sete was destined to change as a result of how, starting in 2003, they were directly competing. this gels with the limited mentions we get in his autobiography of sete in 2003, which were coloured by how he believed sete had already been praying on his downfall before their actual friendship break up (here and here):

what valentino is saying here is basically a slightly more concise version of what I put in the sete post:

and, yeah, this is a natural element of competition - it's generally accepted that maintaining friendships at the sharp end of professional sports with your competitors is either extremely difficult or straight up impossible. (like marc put it in august 2015: "it's true that before the relationship was different, but because we were not fighting for the championship. it's not the relationship like a friend".) obviously there's still a fairly significant difference between 'friendship' and 'good relations' (and 'actively feuding'). but valentino is acknowledging it is just kinda part of the game... something he's willing to exploit if need be (see here for speculations on how the sete feud changed valentino's approach to rivalries in general). it was always going to be tough for that relationship not to go downhill, and valentino accepted as much. he was also clearly a lot more ready for it to come to that than sete was

"The trigger was what happened in Qatar in 2004."

there's always something interesting about what incident parties identify as the turning point in these rivalries. with sete/valentino, you could reasonably point to three different episodes:

assen 2004: last lap overtake resulting in contact that left sete 'angry', though publicly he turned the page pretty quickly. the first obvious public sign of tension between the pair

qatar 2004: for obvious reasons. the allegations of gamesmanship that made valentino openly turn on sete and end any cordial relations between the two of them, let alone friendship

jerez 2005: the most contentious on-track incident between the pair of them that continues to be infamous for the final corner contact and the post-race theatrics

valentino, when he talks about this rivalry, does seem to always go for qatar. yes, he's talked about jerez, but he doesn't bring it up when he's asked about the relationship between the pair of them. the sample size here is admittedly pretty small, but he answered in a similar way in 2015:

sete, by contrast, is generally more hung up on jerez. he's mentioned qatar a few times when commenting on how valentino had suddenly switched up towards him, but more often than not it's jerez. part of this is just... well, he's really focused on the moral injury aspect of what happened at jerez, where he feels very strongly he was wronged - and even more than that, that the incident set a bad precedent. he discusses valentino a bit in that three hour podcast episode he went on and it's basically entirely focused on that last lap corner

which, you know, if somebody manages to successfully 'put a curse' on you, I do get why this probably isn't the bit of the story you want to bring up by your own volition. it's also the kindest narrative to sete - because if it's all about his jerez, then his decline in that rivalry is more about a moral stance than it is about valentino successfully crushing his spirit

that's the thing, right... both of these choices of turning points, qatar and jerez, represent something to the two parties, and both narratives flatter the person telling them in some way. in both cases, it's about their rival doing something that's unacceptable, immoral, 'dirty' in some way... they're accusing each other of stepping outside of the bounds of what is 'acceptable' behaviour for competitors. they're accusing each other of not playing fair, of not playing the game like it should be played. this is what makes the dissolution of their friendship acceptable too, right - it's not just that they're rivals, it's not just the heat of competition or whatever, it's that their enemy did something wrong. this isn't just normal competitive tension that caused their relationship to fall apart, it's foul play

now, look, I'm not going to make some ultra contrarian argument about how it's all actually about assen 2004, This Race Clash Is The One Nobody Is Talking About... BUT this was the first public incident in which sete failed to act graciously in defeat and valentino verbally noted as much. clearly the relationship was a bit strained already headed into qatar. see the autobiography quotes, see assen... also. well. check out what valentino said at the time at qatar (from here):

"I've been looking for an excuse not to talk to sete"... this doesn't necessarily contradict how valentino frames qatar as the "trigger" - the word itself acknowledges that there was something already there just waiting to be 'triggered'. in what truly is one of the all time great presser questions, the above quote is actually put to valentino in sepang with sete sitting right next to him

good vibes!

unfortunately he doesn't really clarify what he meant here, just saying something along the lines of 'well it's a new week now'. anyway, you can interpret the initial valentino quote in several different ways. you could say he was just searching for an opportunity to engineer a feud with sete and was willing to seize on any opportunity, however flimsy. or you could say valentino had already grown suspicious of sete - presumably as a result of several past incidents between the pair of them. the stuff vale mentions in his autobiography about how sete had been predicting him to fail at yamaha, what happened at assen... again, it's the idea that sete covets what valentino has, that he's been performing graciousness - perhaps, from assen onwards at the latest, a little less successfully so. perhaps valentino just wanted to create a little more distance between the two of them for his own sake, make it easier to fire up his competitive juices - and that's what he needed an 'excuse' for. or perhaps what valentino meant was something along the lines of 'I suspected he was a snake and now he proved it'. whatever it was, it must have been enough for valentino to be ready to pull the pin on that particular friendship. so yes, qatar is the trigger. even if it triggered something that had already been festering for a much longer time

"What happened in Qatar 2004... I saw it as something dirty that I didn't expect neither from Sete, nor from Juan Martinez, who was his technical manager and who had worked with me for a long time."

okay I already discussed the descriptor of 'dirty' for sete's actions. it's something underhanded, it's something valentino doesn't like - snitching on your rivals as a dishonest way of beating them. athletes can build up incredibly convoluted frameworks of what they consider acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and a lot of the time it is self-serving bullshit.... but it can be self-serving bullshit with an internal logic of sorts. like, this is the thing right, is going to race direction to play tattletale inherently morally so much worse than various valentino behaviours he openly admits to? eh. but for him, he sees this as a fundamentally 'dirty' and ugly way of trying to win. the stuff he does is fair game, but going around trying to find obscure rules that might not even technically exist to fuck over your rival is not okay. that's not how you should fight to win

the martinez angle has also already been mostly covered above... I was aware they'd worked together before martinez moved to the gresini team (while valentino was still at honda by the way, this wasn't a case of martinez choosing against jumping ship to yamaha when valentino left) - but it's still nice to get the confirmation that they'd worked together for a "long time". obviously, this is a fun element of 2004 in general, the extent to which valentino's sworn enemies are all the people he was working alongside in previous years, how vicious the break up had been. this was also in itself a nice source of motivation, and initially that season was as much about spiting honda as it was spiting his specific rivals who had been so wedded to the narrative that valentino was on the superior bike. though it should be noted valentino wasn't disillusioned with, like, the honda rank and file, mechanics and so on - more with honda management and the engineers. here from his autobiography:

and martinez himself was also a suspension technician in valentino's team. which, yeah, valentino feels hurt on a personal level! this is somebody he had worked with and trusted who has (allegedly) decided to do something so underhanded specifically to spite valentino! from the same autobiography excerpt as above:

rivals are one thing, you've kinda gotta expect the worst, but he does take this type of relationship very seriously. presumably it really twisted in the knife for him, this notion that one of his former team members was willing to do something this 'dirty' to him. valentino didn't expect it! not from sete and not from somebody he'd worked with for years! that's the bit that made it unforgivable, the previous personal relationships that valentino felt weren't being honoured

(incidentally, juan martinez actually ended up being nicky hayden's crew chief... during his time at ducati, where of course hayden would be reunited with valentino for two years as teammates. bit awkward!)

"I felt betrayed because it was as if I was being played."

see above, not much more to add. that's what it often comes back to for valentino, isn't it. a lot of stuff is acceptable, it's just part of the game, rivalries are supposed to be feisty and fierce and a little bit ugly. but this? again, a lot of this is about internal frameworks that athletes have for what is seen as acceptable and not acceptable within competition. valentino deploys a rather liberal definition of what should be allowed both on and off the track, but this is a hard line for him. he'll accept a lot, but not what he considers betrayal. something else that remains consistent throughout his career, including as it pertains to a certain other rivalry

"Sete was a great rival and when you fight like that it's a bit like Michael Jordan says, it's something personal."

michael jordan mention, interesting in its own right! someone who's been compared to valentino in his ruthlessness and, well, cruelty (though some of the stories about jordan make valentino look like an angel lbr). a little bit of commentary to be made there on what greatness in sports generally looks like, and how it does often involve some... hm. pretty unsavoury behaviour. the two of them have actually met a couple times, in valencia 2004 where valentino took him for a ride and laguna 2005 where they partied together after the race

obviously, it's a little funny this meeting happened at valencia 2004 of all occasions, at a time in which valentino was really finding his groove where psychologically torturing his rivals was concerned. there's always something heartwarming about athletes drawing inspiration from each other, no? but anyway, coming back to what valentino actually said here - "it's something personal". just in case anyone's unfamiliar, what this is referring to jordan's habit of drawing competitive inspiration from what he saw as personal slights (there's several compilations out there of jordan using phrasing along the lines of 'it became personal with me', if anyone wants to look it up). sete inspired valentino to up his game because valentino did increasingly take it personally when sete thwarted him - and at a certain point, valentino decided that defeat was no longer acceptable at all. the best way possible to fire himself up... take it personally, and be prepared to do whatever it takes to make his enemy's life hell

"With Sete what happened in Qatar made me very angry and it helped me to give my best until the end of that season and for the next one."

well, yes! I talked a little bit here about the parallels between marc and valentino in how they use anger to motivate themselves, mainly in the context of argentina 2018. and from valentino's autobiography:

anyway, excluding the qatar fiasco itself where he lost his temper, it's fun that he acknowledges explicitly here that the anger provided him with a good source of competitive fuel. note also the time span - the last three races of 2004 as well as the entirety of 2005. sete wasn't really a title rival any more in 2005, not after jerez, but he was still a serious on-track threat... if your goal isn't just to win the title but also to prevent sete from winning a single further race, then sure, he's still very relevant! so that rivalry was still a big part of his competitive make-up a full year after sete could no longer seriously challenge him for a title, and valentino does have enough self-awareness to consciously take advantage of that fury when he can. he probably never did that better than in 2005... his brain controlled his fury - and at every single opportunity he used it to beat sete further into submission

"If I had to give Sete some advice... it's better if he hadn't done it."

iconic banger line. evil laugh afterwards. 10/10 no notes