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MotoGP, Rossi: The double fairing? The new frame is better

"Lorenzo will be ready to win in Qatar, Marquez was holding back". Viñales: "everything is going the right way"

MotoGP: Rossi: The double fairing? The new frame is better

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There is a relaxed atmosphere in the Yamaha camp. On the second day of testing, Viñales was 2nd and Rossi 4th, but more than the times on the boards, it is the sensations on the M1 that is exciting the two riders. They were also in the spotlight today because of the new double fairing. “They told me that we can’t talk about it…” Valentino smiles.

But…
It is really nice. I like it, at least that (he laughs) If I must be honest, it doesn’t make a huge difference, but I’ll continue using it tomorrow too. But that wasn’t the important thing.

What was, then?
The new frame. The first impressions were positive. It makes the ride easier and it should improve tyre performance in the second half of the race.”

It was a good day.
“First of all, I was at full fitness. The headache has passed and we were able to work well, despite losing the morning. I had some important tests to do and they went more or less well. I also did a time attack.

Satisfied with your time?
More than that, it is important to find the right path to follow from here to the beginning of the year. Tomorrow I’ll continue the comparison between the two frames. I have a few interesting setups to test, as well as the tyres Michelin has brought.”

And yet, this adventure with the new M1 had not started off well…
That’s true. In Valencia things had gone badly and even on the first day here at Sepang in November. Then we figured out what we needed. The fact is that we expected the new bike already in Spain, but it was only half ready, so it was sort of a misunderstanding. We are going well – not only me, but Zarco, Folger and Maverick too.

Do you already have an idea of where you stand?
Lorenzo was doing well already today and I think that he may be ready to try for the win as early as Qatar. As or Honda and Marquez, let’s wait at least until tomorrow at 6… I think maybe he was holding back and it wouldn’t surprise me if he outdid everyone by a half a second tomorrow. Us? We are happy. The bike is performing well and I am feeling fit.” 

Maverick Vinales

VIÑALES: EVERYTHING IS GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION - This is a sensation also shared by Maverick Viñales, who could not have begun his relationship with the M1 any better. It seems like the Spaniard has been riding the bike from Iwata for ages and the proof is in his results. “Today I did a lot of laps with used tyres. I improved my pace and I am surprised at how well the bike works” he said.

Are you more happy about your performance or more angry about seeing your old bike ahead of the rest?
Apparently I left a good setup for Iannone (he laughs) All joking aside, at the moment everything is going in the right direction for me: everything I tested led to an improvement. I am also feeling better, although I am still a bit stiff in the saddle.

Success across the board.
Looking at the pace I was able to hold, I am very happy, although I know that there is still a lot of work to do, including on myself. However, we already have a good package, so we just need to focus on the details. I tested the new frame, but only for a few laps, so I’ll have to do more with it tomorrow.”

You seem to be well underway already…
Honestly, I hadn’t hoped to be where I am now already, but I am feeling fit and I am able to understand the bike well. From this standpoint, the two years with Suzuki are coming in handy. I learned to take decisions on the new material quickly.

What is the Yamaha’s strong point compared to your old bike?
More than anything else, grip. Plus, with the Yamaha you are able to be consistent for a lot of laps and that is an area where I suffered last year.

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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