English
Italiano
Thursday's news regards Johann Zarco's move to KTM. The many rumours have now been confirmed by the official announcement: “It's going to be a real challenge - said the Frenchman - it's great to see a European rider with a European team, I'm sure I'll have a fantastic future. I chose this manufacturer because I want to be in the mix, especially after last season, which taught me so much”.
There had been many rumours about a possible move to Honda: “I could easily work alongside Marc. The fact is, if I want a team-mate like Marc, I have to be as strong as him. Also, if you have a high level of riding, you can get the best out of the bike. All I want is to reach Marquez's level and understand how to do that with KTM”.
Listening on is Maverick Vinales: “Our last race was positive and I'll do my best at Jerez. I'm interested to see how the bike will work, we'll know more tomorrow”. Following his podium finish at COTA, Andrea Iannone also has high hopes:“This is a positive moment, I needed that kind of result in America and I'm pleased, especially with the work the team and I have done. I think the podium is the result of all our efforts as a group. Now I need to stay focused and continue along this path, we shouldn't have too many expectations as the competition is stiff but results like that of America are within reach”.
There is a big question mark hanging over The Maniac's future: “We're not yet talking, I'm just focusing on the present. I want to do my best and think I have the right confidence with the team”.
The Jerez round is also key for Jorge Lorenzo, who needs to turn things around after a slow start to the season: “This is a track that has given me some good results over the years. unfortunately it's been a complicated season start, but I'll to be best to turn this trend around and show my true value. I was competitive over the winter and anything could happen this weekend. In the races, the GP18 is giving me more problems than the GP17 did, there have been some positive moments but I'm not as fast as I want to be". Lorenzo's name is also on the table when it come to market negotiations: “I'm not in a good position to negotiate my future, I'm thinking only about my results”.
The last to speak is Tito Rabat: “I've enjoyed these first three races more than the last two years. I have good feeling with the bike and will be seeking confirmation in Spain”.
There is a final questions regarding the events surrounding Rio Hondo: “With bike racing, it's impossible to make perfect rules and make the right decisions for everyone – comments Dovizioso - it's right to be stricter, I'm sure it's the only path to take. We talked about this in the Safety Commission”. Maverick Vinales prefers to look to the future: “The matter is behind us and we need to think about this race”. Lorenzo adds: “I'm not scared to race with Marc, but I continue to hold the same opinion, already six years ago I was saying that stricter decisions were needed with some riders”.
