MotoGP, Iannone jokes: "The best time? Credit to Viñales"

The smile on Andrea Iannone’s face at the end of the day leaves little to the imagination. The Maniac is on the right path at Sepang and the best time of the day sends a crystal clear message. The rider from Vasto is tailor fitting his Suzuki more and more to his own characteristics, but there is still an aspect that needs work.

You and Viñales surprised today.

“We were both fast. I didn’t think I was that fast, since I didn’t even try a second lap to improve.”

What has changed since last year?

“I don’t want to make comparisons. Many things are different. I focus on the bike and my riding style, avoiding any comparisons.”

Joking, Viñales said that he left you with a good setup.

“The first place time is definitely a credit to him, but felt like I was the only one on the bike today (he smiles). Of course, Maverick did a good job, but the Japanese engineers did too. I think there is continued improvement. From Valencia, the bike has changed in various parts.”

What is the aspect that you give the highest marks?

“I like everything about the Suzuki, especially the frame. Any component can be improved and there is plenty of room. A lot of development work was done during the winter. Now we need to continue on this path. The bike suits my style and we can stay at the top.”

Are you thinking of doing some long runs tomorrow?

“That is what we have planned, but our priority is still to adapt the bike to my style.”

One of the difficulties the Suzuki seems to have is tyre grip over the long distance. Do you already have something in mind for that?

“They are working on it. It is not that simple, but we have everything we need to solve the problem. I have a lot of people working with me who are much more committed than I had expected. With Suzuki, all it takes is a small change to be more competitive.”

You were used to the Ducati engine. What is different now?

“I am finding good speed on the straight and going through corners. At the moment, the engine is the least of our problems. Obviously I have still not tailored the Suzuki 100% to fit me, but I am able to do things that I wasn’t used to doing before. Now the limit is much farther away compared with the Ducati, especially thanks to the frame.”

Yesterday you had two slightly different bikes. Were comparisons made today?

“I did not expect to see three bikes. More than today, yesterday I made some comparisons. There were a few adjustments to the setup that made a big difference. However, there is still just one aspect that needs to be improved.”

Which aspect is that?

“It's not important.”