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MotoGP, Rossi: "The M1 like your mum?More like your girlfriend telling you no"

Valentino uses irony to explain the difficulties: "I'm more competitive than at Assen, but the podium will be tough"

MotoGP: Rossi: "The M1 like your mum?More like your girlfriend telling you no"

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It is said that Angel Nieto compared the bike to his mum, but Rossi doesn't really agree with the deceased champion. Particularly not after finishing 10th in qualifying and crashing in Q1.

“I would like it if my relationship with the Yamaha was like that with my mum, because she always says yes and is always ready to help. I think it's closer to the relationship you have with your girlfriend, more difficult to manage because she sometimes says no - jokes the Doctor - Let's say that I don't have a great relationship with the M1 right now".

Having said that, while Valentino is not yet at the level of fellow Yamaha riders Quartararo and Vinales in Germany, he's not drowing in the quick sand he experienced at the latest rounds.

I'm doing better than at Assen, I'm more competitive but I expect a tough race tomorrow. My pace is nothing fantastic, but not that bad either”.

His pace is better than his performance over the flying lap.

I suffer when I put in the soft tyre - admits Valentino - I was able to get through to Q2 but then I crashed. I haven't looked at the data but I think I just entered the turn too fast. I felt vibration at the front and the steering locked. I have to thank the team, they did a great job in a short space of time and I was able to use the same bike in the next session”.

But it wasn't enough.

I had more trouble in Q2 - he explains - So I will start from the fourth row and that makes it all more difficult”.

Valentino tries to remain positive though, also because conditions may be very different tomorrow.

It looks like it might rain tonight and temperatures will be lower”.

Rossi remains realistic about his chances tomorrow.

It looks like the top four- so Marquez, Quartararo, Vinales and Rins - are faster than everyone, then there's a group of riders with similar pace. The podium looks tough tomorrow”.

And the tyres?

"It's a strange situation here, there's confusion. Michelin has gone for outright performance the soft tyre offers great grip but little stability. The hard is also different to normal, we'll decide tomorrow anyway”.

Translated by Heather Watson
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