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The question was somehow inevitable and the answer was just as predictable. A year later, Rossi is facing his memories of last year at Sepang when his relationship with Marquez disintegrated after a heated press conference. Marc comments: “Our relationship had changed, but now it is better. We have a professional relationship. That is all. I still have the same opinion.”
Valentino does not waste much time laying the issue to rest: “I agree with Marquez.” To those who ask him if that experience made him strong, he replies: “Honestly, I don’t know”. In any case, the storm has passed, the two have shaken hands and the Italian complimented the Spaniard for the title won.
It is clear that the Doctor has no desire to go back over the subject. “It is more important not to think about what happened and to stay calm and focused for these last two races. In the past, I have already said what I think about it and I have not changed my mind”, he concludes on the subject.
And he thinks about Sepang and Valencia.
“There are still two good races left to ride, so instead of going back into the past, it is best to look to the future and to next year” he continues.
You are coming from a very nice race in Australia…
“Yes, I had fun. I felt good on the bike and I was fast, although not as fast as I wanted in the race finale. Sepang is a track that I like very much, but it is also a big challenge because of the temperatures. Also, there are some question marks on the new asphalt and the changes to the last corner. I hope I can take good advantage of the free practice sessions.”
Is this a track where you can return to the top step of the podium?
“I think that we can be competitive anywhere. It depends on what happens during the weekend.”
But the Yamaha is struggling. What needs to be done to improve it?
“I think that work is needed on the entire package. Like in the past, this year some evolutions arrived, but unlike previous years, we remained more or less at the same level, whereas our rivals improved.”
Are you confident for next year?
“We will need to work hard. After the Valencia tests, where we will test the new bike, I will have a clearer idea. I know what Yamaha can do. I hope and I think that they will improve the bike, even if nothing is easy at this level.”
Viñales will arrive in the garage. Could that be helpful?
“Maverick is one of the greatest talents, because of his history and his age, I would compare him to Marquez when he arrived in MotoGP. It will be interesting to hear his opinion of the bike. I think he will be able to give us a hand to develop the M1. I will definitely have another very tough rival.”
