Jorge Lorenzo has never left the front row at Misano since his arrival in MotoGP in 2008. Today, if the "yellow" stands of the world only had eyes for their hero, it is the Mallorcan who is imposed.
Is Lorenzo a real threat to Rossi on his land? Where are the Hondas?
A look back at this Saturday day of the #SanMarinoGP.
Lorenzo, an anthology tour
“This is probably the best ride of my entire life,” told Lorenzo in the Parc Fermé just after Q2. The Mallorcan has effectively positioned himself as the man to beat this Saturday evening in San Marino. He is the only driver to have recorded a time of 1'31 in the Misano World Circuit records Marco Simoncelli, " After my first lap, which was already fast, I took more risks to do better and it was worth it. Little by little, we are making clear progress on the bike. After FP4, we made some adjustments and we can probably run a small 1.33.0 or a big 1.32 on a regular basis. Qualifying and racing are different, but it gives you confidence.«
As for the choice of tires, Lorenzo remains discreet, We have a clear choice, but for obvious reasons I won't share it here.«
His first fast lap would have been completed at the limit of irregularity, since certain images show that he would have exceeded the limits of the track. It is useful to remember that the Race Direction has images which are not broadcast on the screen and which are much more precise and which it is impossible to judge. His second lap, however, was much faster and was completed according to the rules of the art. Enough to silence certain gossip...
Today, Lorenzo occupies first place in the ranking for the number of Grand Prix poles with 64. This number is probably not a record, since many of them are not referenced. The golden age of Giacomo Agostini has many gaps in terms of results and it is very likely that it is the Italian who holds the record to date.
Red, although second on the grid tomorrow, showed today that he was not as comfortable as he expected when arriving on his land, " I'm happy with this second place, » he explains. “THowever, we are struggling a bit with the tires. The choice of front and rear is still open, everything will depend on the conditions tomorrow. A temperature a few degrees lower would help us. I was sold on the soft rear tire until I tried the hard which I immediately felt comfortable with, but no one really knows what will happen after halfway. We'll see tomorrow.«
At race pace in FP4, Red still seems slightly behind his title opponents Marquez and Lorenzo, “ Misano is a very demanding track for both the tires and the driver. It will be difficult to give your maximum over the duration of the race (28 laps). The circuit is narrow and it is difficult to overtake. Being on the front line is therefore all the more important here.«
Third on the first line, Casa Particular in Viñales feels comfortable riding the GSX-RR in Misano, “ I'm happy to be on the front row, because it's really important for the race. I feel good in terms of race pace and I'm happy with it,” he said. “ Since Brno we have taken a step forward in higher temperatures and we are seeing the benefit today. For the moment, I'm not yet decided on the choice of tires, but I feel ready to fight."
Tires with different behavior?
During the Bridgestone period, many drivers complained about the lack of similarity from one tire to another, something that Michelin is suffering from this season, " I experienced this problem at Silverstone, the tire slipped a lot when accelerating and the tire slipped on the rim, " Explain Lorenzo. " In Misano, the performance from one tire to another is not the same and that is not normal.«
Red also confides having encountered the same problem this weekend, “ We had no problem until Misano. The performances are not the same and I hope this will not be the case tomorrow."
No Honda on the front line
This hadn't happened since the Austrian Grand Prix with 5th place in Marquez. The Honda driver missed the right slot to place himself on the front row, “ I slowed down to get a good lap, but the tires were too worn, » he said of his second run. “ They were not able to provide me with the necessary grip. I missed this second opportunity. However, I am happy. My pace is really good, we are closer to the Yamahas and we will try to fight against them tomorrow.«
Regarding the choice of tires, Marquez explain, " I was thinking of using the hard one at the front and the soft one at the rear, but the weather looks cloudier tomorrow and we will have to confirm our choice. It seems like the right choice. Valentino used the hard one and he was fast, we'll see.«
For several Grands Prix, the Spaniard's RC213V has sported large fins, “They help us ward off wheelies. Likewise, we have improved the electronics a little and this gives us more control. At Misano there is a lot of acceleration on the corner and that helps us too. » While the new tires caused more wheelies, the 'bike handles well. And I think we can fight against the Yamahas. It looks like the competition will be tight again this weekend, but in my opinion the Yamaha and Dani are the fastest. »
Regarding the rise of Pedrosa, the Yamaha duo is suspicious, “ I think it could be dangerous tomorrow,” says Rossi. “It’s good news for us that he’s on the third line. » For his part Lorenzo « wants to see Pedrosa fight for the best after lacking confidence."
« I think we have more or less found the settings for tomorrow, " entrusts Pedrosa at the end of the day. “ We still have to choose the tires. The most important thing will be to get a good start and overtake the drivers in front who have a slower pace than us. We will have to watch out for Lorenzo who is very fast at the start of the race. We will try to get as far ahead as quickly as possible.«
Between (in)comprehension and frustration for Iannone
Andrea Iannone fractured his T4 vertebra Friday morning during the first session. After his visit to the Cesena hospital, the Italian hoped to be able to ride on Saturday. The doctors at the hospital and those at the Mobile Clinic declared him fit, but this morning those on the circuit decided otherwise.
« I am really disappointed,” he confided this afternoon. “ This is my home race. This is my last race on an Italian track on an Italian motorcycle in front of my home crowd. For me, this was a really important weekend and I had high expectations. We did a test the week before Silverstone and the impressions were good. It's up to me, but the doctor has the final say. Yesterday he declared me unfit. Arriving at the circuit after my hospital visit, I could be assessed the next day."
« This morning, at 9 a.m., I went to the medical center. After saying 'Hello', I said 'I'm ready for the session'. But they said, 'No, you're not fit. Thank you so much !''
« I don't know why everything changed. It's difficult to understand this. I'm happy, because Dr. Charte [Dorna] supports me 100% and organized the helicopter trip from the hospital in Cesena. He wanted to check my condition and I spoke with him a lot. I appreciate his efforts. I think it was too risky for me and another fall would have been risky. I think sometimes it's important to understand the driver. The first thing is to come back. Of course, it hurts there, but on the bike, I don't know that. The doctors decided for me.«
« In a sense, I am responsible, because it is my job. The circuit doctor said 'No, you don't have the condition to continue. I declare you unfit.' Normally the pilot takes a check-up, but I only spoke. I understand that it is difficult and dangerous.«
Carlo Feathered, his manager, tells us that “he will be in Aragon. He just needs to rest and be quiet until then. " Corn Iannone moderate, " I won't be 100%, but it will be important to be there."
Zarco, desire for victories
Reigning World Champion, zarco can become the first Moto2 rider to defend his title. A penalty at Silverstone allowed his biggest opponent, Rins, to come within ten points only, “ This is why we call it the World Championship, » replies Zarco. “ It's never easy. After Austria, I didn't think everything was decided, and in two races this advantage practically disappeared."
« It's pretty good to be in pole position after a good start to the weekend. After Silverstone, that was the goal. If I'm able to play the rhythm, maybe I'll be able to escape. If this is not possible, we will fight against others to stay there.«
Tomorrow, Zarco will start from pole position in front Nakagami et Baldassarri. The Italian told us that his goal was to finish ahead of the Frenchman at all costs, “ After what happened at Mugello where he finished in front of me and my crowd, I have to beat him."
Si Baldassarri plays revenge on Zarco at home, Kidneys will occupy 9th place tomorrow. Although injured, the Spaniard is not worried, “ My collarbone is not causing me any problems and I will be able to fight tomorrow in the race. We found some good settings and I like this track.«
Just like confided Red regarding this special meeting, “ I have pressure until 14 p.m.. » Questions will give way to action on the track.
