MotoGP, Rossi after FP3: "The most important thing was to be inside the top 10, but I still have to improve"

The first step has been taken and both Yamaha riders have earned direct access to Q2 at Misano. Rossi finished the practice with the 8th time, Vinales did better with the 2nd quickest time, just 58 thousandths from Bagnaia’s new track record.

Now the next obstacle to face will be that of qualifying.

“As always, the FP3 session is very important, because you have to stay in the top 10 – said Valentino - In the end, it was a good practice this morning. I finished sixth in FP3 and did a good lap. In the combined practice results I am in P8, but the most important thing was to be inside the top 10. We are still working on the bike because we have to improve. We will see this afternoon.”

Vinales' morale is high and he seems to have found the right path.

“I'm really happy because, somehow, we improved the race set-up quite a lot and that's something very positive for tomorrow – said the Spaniard - This makes me feel much calmer. Then, during the time attack, I did two good laps. I think we can still improve a little bit more. There were a lot of crashes in front of me, so that affected my focus a little bit, but anyway I'm very enthusiastic and happy. The team did a great job this morning, which was needed, because we were a bit lost with the race set-up earlier. So, I'm quite happy and confident. Now we aim for the front row, and then we will see what we can do tomorrow.”