English
Italiano
Fifth place in qualifying might not be an amazing result after a victory, but Dovizioso's rational side allows him to analyse the situation objectively. So he's not disappointed with the second row and even sees it as a good launch pad for the race.
“I made a good qualifying lap, even if we were a bit late in understanding that the soft front tyre works best for us. Also in terms of the race - he says - But we've worked well, in FP4 I was 9th but I ran the whole session on very used tyres and was fast”.
Fast enough to go for the podium against the very strong Spaniards and Valentino?
“There's a chance - he replies - It's clear that Lorenzo and Marquez have something more right now, but a lot will depend on their approach to the race. I think Jorge will want to break away, but the rear tyre is the limitation. From what I know, the Yamahas suffers with the tyres and he'll have to manage them for 30 laps”.
But there's not just Lorenzo and Marquez.
“I think I can fight against Valentino, our speed is similar - he notes - But he's not my only rival, Iannone improved this afternoon and Pedrosa looks good too, but it's always difficult to have a clear idea of his potential”.
All riders like to say that the races are very long, but Dovi thinks that this definition really suits Valencia to a T.
“When you cross the line and see your time it's like taking an exam. Here you do it 30 times and this makes it long from a psychological point of view”, he explains.
While the Forlì rider is feeling positive, Iannone is less pleased. The Vasto rider hoped for a great farewell race tomorrow, but right now things look complicated.
“I didn't start the weekend on the right foot - he reflects - We're trying to do what we can but I continue to struggle. I'm losing a lot mid-corner and this penalises me in particular because my speed through the corner is usually a strong point with my riding style. It's a pity, because the Ducati is working well in acceleration and in braking”.
Andrea doesn't hide the difficulties.
“This is my most difficult weekend after that of Barcelona - he confirms - I have faith in my team though and in FP4 we did improve in fact, we're not so far from the podium. In this situation, it's hard to understand the tyres properly, but it seems that the soft option is the best for the race too”.
He is also not fully healed.
“I'm not 100% physically speaking. I don't have a lot of strength in the changes in direction. I blame both me and the bike for this" he explains.
Andrea also starred in two unexpected scenes today, one with Hernandez and the other with Marquez.
“Yonny and I gave each other a kiss - he jokes - We were watching the maxi-screen, like two idiots. I avoided him at the last second, losing only the winglets. Then, in qualifying, I realised that Marquez was coming and I was involuntarily blocking him. He's right to be angry,but the same thing has happened to me with him, in reverse, at the Sachsenring”.
