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It was Jorge Lorenzo who started up the controversy, expressing his concerns over Rossi and Vinales criss-crossing lines “It seems strange to me that it was coincidence. It seemed like a strategy to me. I don't like certain things. It's like copying on an exam” the Majorcan said.
Predictably, Valentino responded with a joke: “I copied? Well then they'll send a note home to my parents. I'm really scared now”, bursting out in laughter.
The word ‘biscotto’ (race-fixing) came out again, this time directed at you and Maverick…
“Besides the fact that last year it happened in races whereas today it was just in qualifying, he should have the decency not to talk about this subject. And I'll end the discussion here because it is the best thing for everyone, but especially for them.”
No agreement between you and Vinales?
“It was strictly a coincidence. There was nothing planned. On the track it's always helpful to follow someone, especially if it's a young rider because you manage to figure out something about his riding style. I found myself behind Maverick and he kept pushing, just as I did. It isn't the first time that it has happened. It also happened with Iannone. Besides which, I sincerely doubt that Maverick was very happy today since I took pole position in the end.”
The fact that your rivals are whining, does that make you happier?
“Whining always makes it fun (he laughs), but the best thing is to have taken pole position. Before the qualifiers I was a bit worried because in recent years I've always struggled qualifying at Mugello.”
Or rather, at Mugiallo…
“Right. This time the idea came easily. Aldo (Drudi - editor's note) pointed out that we had never done a yellow helmet. At first we had thought of Muyellow, in English, but then we preferred to go with the Italian.”
It couldn't have gone better…
“There are already a lot of fans and tomorrow there will be even more. It's great and this kind of support motivates you to give 100%. It had been 8 years since the last time I started from the pole here, but more importantly, it's the second time this year. Last year I had to wait until Assen and then I didn't get another one.”
You were also presented with an award by Eleonora Pedron, your rival Biaggi's ex-partner…
“It was nice to see her again. She is always very beautiful”
Ready for the race?
“I've suffered here for a long time. I'd like to ride a nice race. This morning I had taken a step forward, but the decisive step came in the afternoon. I was worried about the qualifiers, but I found myself in the right place at the right time, unlike at Le Mans, but Maverick's line helped me.”
What impression did you have following him?
“He's a tough one. I like his attitude. In qualifying he is the one that lapped the fastest without anyone in front of him and he was also the one with the best pace in FP4.”
Does that worry you?
“It has worried me for a while now (he laughs). As I said, Maverick had the best pace ahead of me and Iannone, but Marquez and Lorenzo will also be in the mix. We'll also need to see what conditions we find because the track changes after the Moto2 race.”
The straight stretch will be the Ducati hunting grounds…
“The Yamaha is not slow. It is at the same level as the Suzuki. The Ducatis are really going fast. But they make the difference especially in the second part of the straight stretch. I don't think they'll be able to manage overtaking in a sprint.”
Today you are celebrating your pole and your pupil Fenati's. How do you feel?
“Proud. I didn't think that I would like cheering for my riders this much. The home Grand Prix always puts on the pressure and sometimes it's hard to manage it, but they did well. Beginning with Romano, but Migno and Baldassarri will also start from the front row and my brother Luca is less than 4 tenths behind the pole.”
