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Eleventh place is not the kind of result to celebrate, but right now sensations are more important than numbers for Lorenzo. From this standpoint, Jorge can be optimistic and certain that he's moving in the right direction.
“I feel better and am closer to Dovizioso, just 4 tenths away at a very long track, so not bad - he states - I've tried a set-up that improves the bike through the fast turns and over the holes, though we've lost a little traction. In general, I've made up a couple of tenths and so we'll continue in this direction, further loading the front”.
The road is still a long one.
“It's clear that there are two riders leading the way - referring to Maverick and Marc - but we're not too far from those lying between 3rd and 5th in terms of pace. In the morning I want to try the soft tyre, it seems better for the Ducati and I don't exclude the possibility of using it for the race”.
The Majorcan has to take things step by step because he knows that miracles are hard to come by.
“We're perfecting some details that have given me more confidence through certain corners- he continues - They are hundredths and tenths that are bringing me ever closer to the guys ahead. I admit that this has been my best Friday so far, the position is similar to Qatar but sensations are better”.
What's the next step?
“We have to work to increase confidence at the front through the fast corners, with this new setting we've done so but need to progress. It's a matter of sensations, if you feel you have to push too hard you may crash and so you need to move the limit”.
DOVIZIOSO: SOME UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS - Dovi had to deal with some stomach problems but that doesn't mean he's lost his smile. He's generally satisfied.
“Many are struggling and so we shouldn't be too disappointed - he underlines - The track is really tough and the potholes don't help, just like in Argentina. In the end, it hasn't gone badly, 12 of us have similar pace and in the race we're normally less”.
Two riders evidently start as favourites.
“Unfortunately Maverick and Marc are far ahead, I hoped to be closer to them - admits Andrea - Tyre consumption will have a real impact on the race, we all have problems in that sense and there could be some surprises in terms of pace. In the coming days, temperatures will be lower and so the tyres will work differently, we'll see what happens. I set a good time, so I'm not worried. In the afternoon, I tried a new set-up which proved interesting, in certain areas we've gain but in others we're losing a lot and we need to understand why and whether we can improve. We can't accelerate well, I didn't expect that, and we need to understand the reason”.
The Italian doesn't want to make too many comparisons with 2016.
“Many things have changed since last year, the tyres, and we have no winglets any more - he explains - In some points I'm gaining a lot but on the straight I'm losing 4 tenths, it's too different and we can't give it too much importance”.
