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Andrea Dovizioso' Saturday can be summed up in a few words, or rather, observation, difficulty, few risks. The Ducati rider scored a second row start, with the sixth time, behind Rossi and head of team-mate Danilo Petrucci, in an unremarkable Q2.
He lies 8 points behind Marquez and tomorrow's race is set to be an important one.
“Second row is a good result – starts Dovi - My time wasn't perfect but I'm satisfied. Today was a strange day for everyone, there's been confusion ever since yesterday as we're lapping a second slower than last year”.
What is the reason for these difficulties?
“The track is really strange, there's no grip and it's really odd to see such a change in just a year. It's not a question of the potholes, which haven't increased by much. It's very hot so we're all suffering with the tyres, many were on fresh tyres in FP4”.
Tomorrow's race could be hard to interpret, how are you fixed?
“The set-up is good and I'm pleased with the bike. Tomorrow's race will be a strategic one, it will be difficult to understand everyone's real pace as we've completed few laps. Doing 24 in a row is a different matter in these conditions”.
The Yamahas have proved competitive today, taking four of the top five spots. Can they create trouble for you tomorrow?
“They've been competitive right from the first session, particularly with Valentino, but I don't know if they have enough to run up front all race long, even they don't know that”.
What would your ideal race look like?
“I'd like to race against Marc alone, because I know he's always at the top but tomorrow there will be some riders who are more competitive than him so it will be a complicated race. Many have preferred to sort the bike and get it working in these conditions rather than really test their race pace”.
It can be a good opportunity for the championship if several of you are fighting up front.
“it depends, if I'm quicker than Marquez yes, otherwise it could be a problem. Marc's been quick in every session, but not in the usual way".
Why not do you think?
“I wouldn't know but I think he's struggling too, though with his style and the bike's characteristics, his issues are different to everyone else's. I think they're focusing on the front”.
