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“This is my third pole this year, two or three years ago I thought I'd never have another one”. Valentino, despite having a cold, is able to smile at Motegi. This year his performance in qualifying has significantly improved and he's involved in a head-to-head with Marquez and Lorenzo in terms of career poles, with all three of them at 64.
“This is cool - says Rossi - It’s incredible, all three of us are fighting for this record and when one of use gains an advantage, the others catch up. It's been going like this for a while now’”.
It's a fight that you enjoy.
“I hope I can continue this fight against Marquez and Lorenzo until the end of my career”.
What does this pole mean to you?
“It's always a special feeling, but perhaps even more so this time because I struggled during the practices”.
Were you worried yesterday?
“No, I was optimistic because we had our ideas and thought they would work. This morning though i was still behind and also on the limit”.
How did you react?
“Galbusera, Flamigni and Cadalora did a really good job. We analysed all the previous data and found two or three places on which to work. In FP4 I was fast and this allowed me to be confident going into qualifying”.
You did your best lap behind Vinales. Maverick joked saying that next time he sees you behind him he'll pull in…
“We went out at the same time and I was ahead, then Marquez passed me but made a mistake. At that moment, neither of wanted to tow the other and then Maverick passed us. I couldn't wait any longer and started to push, I have to admit I was lucky and having him as a reference helped me”.
The yellow flags were out on that lap…
“Yes, but I didn't pay too much attention. Normally I waste time trying to work out who's crashed (he laughs). I saw the bike wasn't in a dangerous place and continued to push”.
And you scored pole. How are things looking for the race?
“On paper, Marquez, Lorenzo and I are the fastest but they have one or two tenths on me in terms of pace”.
Will Marquez be thinking about the title?
“I hope so (he laughs). That's his main goal, perhaps he'll stay calm but he is the favourite as of now. It depends how he feels tomorrow, I don't think he'll turn down the win if it's within reach. Honda has confirmed the improvement made in recent races, we're on the same level now”.
And Lorenzo?
“He's strong and hats off to him. Today he took a blow but was straight back out there fighting among the leaders. He'll be there tomorrow too”.
Other rivals?
“Dovizioso was strong today, as was Crutchlow and the two Suzukis. At the start of the race there may well be a big battle, but the difference will be made later on”.
Do you feel ready?
“I still have the flu and after a few laps I struggle with my breathing but I'm getting better”.
Some riders are saying to keep an eye on brakes…
“Here we've always been on the limit, in fact it was even worse with the Bridgestones because you could push harder in braking. The disc temperature rises significantly and so you have to be careful when you're close behind another rider”.
