Here is the press release from Valentino Rossi published after this qualification in Texas which allowed the Italian driver to appear on the front row alongside Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez, half a second behind the latter.
Valentino Rossi: “This result is crucial for tomorrow's race, and it is also a good result for the work we did today; since this morning we have improved the bike a lot, and this afternoon I was pretty strong with the racing tires during free practice. I started qualifying pretty confident and did a few good laps. The first row is always a very good objective, especially when I have to fight against Marquez and Lorenzo when they are quite strong. »
However, the images broadcast by the MotoGP.com site do not at any time show Valentino Rossi with a Medium rear tire.
Massimo Meregalli However, it provides some clarifications: “Today the weather conditions did not allow us to test the tires over a long distance so tomorrow morning, if the weather remains dry and sunny, we will complete our program and then we will be ready for the race. »
Although it is not likely, it therefore appears entirely possible that Valentino Rossi will bet on the soft rear tire tomorrow in the race, while Marc Marquez clearly seems to be moving towards the Medium, a priori less risky.
Let's remember what the Italian pilot said yesterday: » I think the tires will make the difference and be the key to the race. »
