Before flying to Texas, the four-time Austin Grand Prix winner spoke with Breiller Pirres of El Pais during his visit to São Paulo, Brazil. He explained his current situation and his hopes for the rest of the season, starting with the Grand Prix of The Americas this weekend.
Did you expect so many difficulties at the start of the season?
“We knew it would be difficult at the beginning, but especially in Argentina unexpected things happened. I never anticipated a fall. And we fell while we were in first position. Not fifth or sixth, but we were fighting for victory.
Do you need to adapt to the new engine?
“Last year, this engine was one of our weak points. This year again, but we are closer than ever to solving the problem and correcting this.
Did the new engine influence your downfall in Argentina?
" Everything is connected. When the motorcycle accelerates poorly, you must recover when braking or entering a curve. This forces us to choose a hard front tire for braking. And the hard tire also prevents falls less. Pedrosa and I had chosen a hard tire and we fell.
A solution in sight?
“Honda is the first interested in working on this. We need time. This problem that we have, we cannot solve it from one day to the next. We need a few races to understand it better and see if we can resolve it.
You've never lost in Austin. Think you can collect in the United States?
“Luck can change sides in Austin. I hope this year it will also happen the same way. Maybe the circuit is suited to my driving style. From the first year that I went there, I found myself very comfortable there and always rode very fast. We hope to reach at least the first podium of the season. That would be a good result. And see if we can fight for victory. It's the perfect place to change this dynamic and forget the Argentinian fall.
Are you surprised by Maverick Viñales' first two victories?
“Maverick started the season at a very good level. We expected a tough opponent. But the two Yamahas surprised me. He and Valentino are going very fast, which is worrying.
Viñales is your main rival for the championship?
“I guess we will have four or five different winners. But I think the two Yamaha riders will be my biggest rivals for the title. During the preseason, Yamaha seemed to have a strong team.
Is Lorenzo far from fighting for the title because he changed teams?
“Lorenzo is struggling, and I think that’s normal. He had spent many years with one style of riding. And now with the change to Ducati it is difficult for him to adapt his style. Either way, he is a driver capable of winning and we cannot eliminate him.
In 2015, Valentino Rossi accused you of favoring Lorenzo in the title fight. Did you really have this intention?
" I did not expect that. It was something that hurt me because, ultimately, there are no friends in MotoGP. We all want to win. It doesn't matter if we're from the same country or the same team. You always want to get there first. This bothered me and I was surprised by Valentino's accusation. We have moved on and now our relationship is back to normal.
Is it impossible to have friends in this sport?
“In Moto GP, there are friends, yes, but those who don’t play the championship. With those who play it, you will never be friends. You know each other, you talk, you have a professional relationship, but having friends is very difficult. You don't go see a football game or go out and drink with your biggest rivals.
Does banning fins affect aerodynamics?
“It affects him a little. The ailerons help when exiting corners and accelerating. But every time there is contact of a motorcycle with another motorcycle, the wings touch, they can break and injure the rider. So it's safer without them.
Last month, John Surtees died, the only world champion in MotoGP and Formula 1. Is it possible that someone will do it again in the near future?
“The possibility exists, but I won’t do it [laughs]. I think we always ask it because we see that Moto GP riders can go fast. But it's almost impossible. All sports are becoming more and more professional. Formula 1 drivers are very specialized, because they were in a car as children. My world is motorcycles. Try a Formula 1 car one day, why not? I would like to, because it's adrenaline. But I'm not ready to drive a car professionally. »
Photos © Repsol Media
Source: El Pais
