This pre-event conference of the 2017 edition of the Argentine Grand Prix brought together Maverick Viñales (SPA-Yamaha), Andrea Dovizioso (ITA-Ducati), Valentino Rossi (ITA-Yamaha), Marc Marquez (SPA-Honda), Aleix Espargaro (SPA-Aprilia) and Scott Redding (GBR-Ducati)
As usual, we offer you a full “raw” translation of the words of Valentino Rossi, without any journalistic formatting or distortion.
350 grand prix is an incredible record…
”Yes, a lot of races, a lot of time here, and I'm proud of it. But the number of races is not very important, but the quality is. The number of victories or podiums is more important.
So we will try to start here in Argentina based on the Qatar race. I think in the first race weekend we improved the feeling of the bike a lot. In the end, the race was almost a surprise for us, and wasn't that bad, because starting with a podium is always important, and also, I wasn't very far from the first two. I like this circuit, the layout is very interesting and it's also fun to ride a MotoGP there. Since 2014 I have always had good races, but as the other guys said, you have to understand the track conditions because last year it was very difficult, the track was very dirty from the start. Friday, then we also had bad weather, and so we are hoping for better conditions to try to work in a better way. ”
What do you think of Maverick and the level of competition?
”Yes, you know, now you have maybe 10 riders and 10 bikes that can fight for the podium or to stay in front in every practice session. It is therefore very important to suffer a little less compared to the test sessions in Qatar. In Qatar we also didn't do any qualifying and this time it will be the first qualifying of the year, we will try to qualify in the top five and we will see. ”
After Qatar, can you say that your problem with the front axle is over?
” Concerning the front axle, we had already made a good step forward between Thursday and Friday. But then (head bobbing) we had to deal with a few other problems. I hope so, but you know, every circuit is different. But we will try to be more competitive from the first session. ”
Michelin has brought a new specification for the front tire. Do you expect this to help you solve your problem?
”Yes, I know that Michelin is bringing a front tire with an older carcass, a little stiffer. When I spoke about my front axle problem with Michelin at the start of the season, they told me I was the only one. But (laughs), if they bring this tire, maybe there are other drivers who have the same feeling as me. Anyway, we improved in Qatar but it will be very interesting to try this tire here to understand if the feeling will be better or not. ”
During testing you had some problems, but you still have a card for Sunday. How do you explain that?
”You know, working during a race weekend is always different compared to testing, but it was my fault because I need more time to understand this bike, compared to Maverick I need more of kilometers. But we worked well, especially during the weekend and we arrived at a good level for Sunday. Now we try to start again from this point. ”
Social Media Question (new): Would you rather skydive with Jack Miller or be a passenger with Cal Crutchlow in a high-speed chase?
”I went skydiving once, maybe 15 years ago with Gibernau in Barcelona. I think he tried to kill me (laughs). But I got lucky and it opened and I was saved. Jump with Jack? It's a bit risky (laughs). And what with Cal? ”
A high-speed chase…
”With Cal driving? No, no, no, skydiving with Jack (laughs). ”
Photo credit: MotoGP.com
