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It was Marc Marquez's day. On the new track the Spaniard seems to have no rivals, comfortably securing pole position. For the Spaniard there's little to celebrate though, because he can only think about what happened on Friday, the accident that cost Luis Salom his life.
Let's look back at yesterday Marc.
“It's a difficult weekend for all of us, but it's our job to continue. The most important aspect is of course safety, and some changes have been made to improve it after what happened”.
Today you were unstoppable.
“I'm really happy, because yesterday we were struggling with a significant gap to the leader. Today things went better and we were fast; thanks to a change in set-up that proved to be significant. I adapt quickly to new tracks. In qualifying I felt competitive, I took some risks but I'm pleased with the result, that I dedicate to my gran and to Luis.”
Some riders didn't take part in the Safety Commission, they saw they weren't informed.
“Every Friday, after 5pm, we have chance to meet with the Commission. Yesterday we were the usual riders, some decided to take part, others no, though everyone should have been there. Sometimes it's very quick, as there's nothing special to discuss with regard to the track, while on other occasions our opinions are key, and then we speak at length”.
Was cancelling the race an option?
“At first we wanted to cancel the race, then Carmelo Ezpeleta called Salom's family and they were happy for the event to continue. If Luis has been with us, he would have wanted to race”.
Then there was a modification to the track.
“Exactly, we decided to modify that corner where the accident took place in order to improve it, also turn ten. With regard to the latter, we were all in agreement, in that it would improve safety, though it would make the track worse”.
You took a risk at turn 10 last year.
“It's true. The track was more exciting through that section, but now it's safer, and this is the most important thing for all of us. In 2015 I remember that I ran wide at turn 9 and the gravel helped me to stop. Sometimes things need to happen before change is made, this time we made a decision based on prudence”.
Were the changes really needed?
“Yes, the riders were all in agreement. Without the modification, the race probably wouldn't have gone ahead”.
It wasn't an easy day for Daniel Pedrosa either, getting back on the bike after Salom's death. The Spaniard was nevertheless able to secure a front row start alongside Marquez and Lorenzo.
“yesterday was a terrible day, it was difficult to ride this morning. The most difficult thing is to get the leathers back on and find the right focus to get on track and race, adapting to a new track”.
You didn't take part in yesterday's meeting?
“No, I wasn't there. Safety is undoubtedly the most important aspect, yesterday a rider died and this counts more than anything else”.
Honda seems to have the advantage as a result of the change.
“It's a different track, which perhaps favours our riding style. But there are other tricky parts where we suffer. All in all, I don't think there are positives or negatives, becaused in the end the track is still balanced for each of us”.
