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Valentino began the Misano GP week in a rather special way on Tuesday. He did so on board his Yamaha M1, but rather than taking to the track he rode the streets of Tavullia, the same roads he used to ride on a scooter as a youngster.
“It was a dream come true to go down that road on the M1, I've thought about it since I was little. It was kind of like a mini Tourist Trophy with some great turns. The M1 behaved well, I thought it would be harder to ride on the road, but it was fine. I did some wheelies and reached 170 km/h. The road was closed of course”.
A great way to travel to the track…
“I know I say it every year but this race is always great, you never get used to certain emotions. It's also a very draining weekend, there are many things to manage and you need to find a way to focus between the autographs, the photos, the jostling (he laughs)”.
You seemed optimistic after the test.
“I've been competitive in the last races, though it was disappointing not to be able to fight for the podium at Silverstone. I'll try again here. The tests went well, I liked the carbon swingarm and silencer even if they don't make a big difference. I was also able to ride the 2020 prototype and we know where to improve and what works well, we're ahead of the game compared to previous years”.
It looks as if you start this weekend on the right foot, unlike Mugello.
“It's definitely a more positive moment. You think the Yamaha is the bike to beat on paper? I hope so, we were all quick in testing, as Quartararo did incredible things which meant me, Franco and Maverick had to push to stick with him. Yamaha is also doing its part, as the bike is improving”.
What are the hopes?
“As I keep saying - to be competitive and complete a good race, not only for me and my team but for all the fans who will be there on Sunday”.
Many have complained about the asphalt, what do you think?
“I'd already ridden here after the treatment, there's less grip, but things were better with the MotoGP than with the R1 road bike”.
What do you think about a third Italian round?
“I think 2 are enough! Next year we'll have 20 races, so we'll have our work cut out! Maybe we could cut a few and go back to 15 like we had a few years ago”.
