English
Italiano
In the end, Valentino has found some light in the Qatar night sky, finishing the test in 2nd place is perhaps a result he wouldn't have expected after the difficulties. The day didn't start well when a crash complicated things: “I was testing the harder front tyre to see if it could work, i could feel that I was on the limit on the right side and then I crashed."
He then got back on the right track, carrying out a convincing long run and then attempting a time attack: “It was important to score a good result because we suffered in Thailand and then went well in Malaysia but were only 7th. So finishing 2nd is important for the entire team".
Rossi worked hard to resolve issues with an M1 that is still less than perfect.
“I'm pleased because we've worked well over these three days, in the end we've put it all together and I was quick on both the flying lap and over a longer distance. We continue to suffer a little too much with the tyres, at the front but also the back, and we won't know what will happen in the second part of the race until we get there. We'll see whether we're in line with the best or not”.
To make predictions is impossible, because the situation is unclear, almost unpredictable in fact.
“There have been too many highs and lows during these winter tests. This means that the levels of the various bikes change a lot from one track to another and we'll need to avoid suffering too much at the tougher tracks. every race will be like starting over”.
This is backed up by what we've seen at Losail.
“Things don't just change from one track to the next, but from one day to the next. Even from the morning to the afternoon, considering that I was quite far back this morning, though I hadn't used new tyres. You always have to be on your game. In terms of electronics, it seems that Honda and Ducati are ahead and that will be key in the second part of the race, we're suffering too much ”.
Valentino doesn't want to be pessimistic though.
“It's also true that our bike is competitive at the tracks where we're able to get the tyres working well. I've completed many long runs, and many laps on used tyres, and we've definitely improved but we don't know what might happen over a 22-lap race”.
Once again Zarco, with the satellite M1, is the thorn in his side. Unstoppable on the flying lap but also convincing in terms of pace.
“First we need to understand what tyres he used to make the race simulation, maybe it was the very hard solution because we only have a few available and sometimes you have to ride with tyres with which you're slow. Zarco is very strong, last year he ran a high level season, finishing at the top and that's where he's starting from this year. He'll be a tough rival for everyone”.
