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Dani Pedrosa and his Honda lit up the Barcelona Saturday. As had already happened in Jerez, the Spaniard took his second pole of the 2017 season, confirming his forward steps in qualifying. While Marc’s Honda ended up in the gravel no less than twice in qualifying, his proved to be lightning fast.
“I am very happy with this second pole of the season since last year I really had a lot of difficulties. It was not a simple day - he revealed - I had to adapt to the old chicane, but I also had to handle the heat and the tyres. For tomorrow, choosing the right tyre will be fundamental.”
Only one black spot on this Saturday, namely the crash in FP4.
“Unfortunately, I made a mistake - he admitted - but I was able to be competitive in qualifying, which is the most important time of the day.”
The tyres are still the trickiest part of the race tomorrow.
“The choice will be crucial, as will be their duration. Montmelò was one of the most complicated races last year in terms of tyres – he recalled – I am aware of the heat, but I’ll have to stay focused.”
Dani has definitely demonstrated big steps forward in qualifying. He himself explains his improvement.
“During the winter, we worked a lot on this aspect - he revealed - trying to understand how to be fast, without forgetting about race pace. I also learned how to get to know the Michelins better, taking full advantage of them.”
Where does the change in qualifying compared to 2016 come from?
“I figured out when I need to be aggressive, but also how to take on certain corners. That is what makes the difference.”
Dani has no doubts about who his biggest rival will be on Sunday.
“Myself. I just want to think about my bike and the tyres.”
There is also a request from Sete Gibernau, who is asking for the pole position watch as a gift.
“Of course.”
Lorenzo is beside him. He is asked if there is a challenge against the Majorcan that still sticks in his mind even today.
“Brno 2012, with the last corner together.” Number 99 retorts: “Brazil 2003”
Marc Marquez, on the other hand, was in a different mood, forced to settle for the fourth best time after ending up in the gravel twice.
“Unfortunately, I fell four times today - commented number 93 - I know that is a lot, but Barcelona is my home race and I have to risk. Unfortunately, the crashes in qualifying compromised my performance, but the fourth best time is still a good result.”
Marc suffered because of the tyres today.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t feel great confidence with the front. I especially struggled on the right side. We need to work on the settings so we can battle for the podium and even for the win. In any case, I feel competitive with my pace.”
There is no lack of treachery at Montmelò and Marc is well aware of this. The track is a true unknown for the race.
“Tomorrow it will be hot and we will need to try to work on pace again - he analysed - takin a step forward. The front tyre may be the most critical aspect, but I must say that I do not feel all that bad. In qualifying, I crashed because I was too aggressive.”
Number 93 is not letting it get him down and he has good reason not to.
“Everyone is struggling with the tyres because the asphalt has really low grip. In any case, I prefer ending up on the ground four times like I did today and understanding what the limits of the tyres are.”
The last comment is on the decision to return to the old layout.
“I spoke with the other riders and I think that the new chicane is dangerous, as well as the fact that it gets easy to make contact in that section. I feel good with the Formula 1 chicane too, so I am enthusiastic.”
