Marc Marquez, Maverick Vinales, Andrea Dovizioso, Valentino Rossi, Jonas Folger and Karel Abraham appeared tanned and rested at this pre-event press conference for the 2017 Czech Republic Grand Prix.
A conference which, however, weighed heavily on the fight against death that was being waged at the same time Angel grandson in Ibiza, and which, out of respect, resulted in the deletion of the selected questions on social networks.
We offer here the entirety of the remarks made by Valentino Rossi.
Fourth in the championship with a victory. 10 points from the lead with 9 events remaining: you are in the race!
“Yes, I am very happy to be here because this championship is very interesting. The results are very different from one week to the next and there are really five drivers who are still fighting for the championship, without much difference. We're off to the second half, and every weekend will be a surprise because no one knows what to expect. Last year in Brno I was also quite strong in the dry during testing, but afterwards the situation completely changed to wet on Sunday. I was lucky to make the right choice of the hard rear tire and score some important points, so the aim is to get on the podium on Sunday. »
Consistency is key, right?
" Yes. You know, you have to be strong when you feel good with the bike and the tires, and try not to have too many problems when you are not very fast. From one point of view, it's good because you can only think from weekend to weekend, if not day to day. Sometimes in seven days everything changes, so you have to try to be ready for any situation. »
What is one thought you can send to Angel Nieto's family, speaking on behalf of all pilots?
" Yes. I had a very good relationship with Angel, also because I know Pablo and Gelete very well, but also Fonsi because we grew up together. I was with Pablo when the news arrived because he was in Tavullia working with the team. (Sigh) This is a bad situation for our world, because of Angel's career, his victories and his 13 world championship titles, but also for the man he is. So we hope for the best outcome. »
We wish Angel Nieto the best. Do you have an anecdote about him to tell us?
“To me, what's amazing about Angel is the amount of energy he has at 70 years old. I think his mother turned 100 last week, and she's still in good shape. This is also why this is a real shame. I remember, once in Ibiza, we went out to dinner one evening. Maybe 10 years ago or less. Afterwards we went to a party and I remember at five in the morning I was destroyed. I wanted to go to bed but Angel said “no, stay here, don’t go to bed, we have to go somewhere else”. I thought “Fuck! He's 65 years old and he's still on top! ". I think this is the best side of Angel. »
Kevin Schwantz says this may be MotoGP's best year. Do you agree, and if so, what is the cause?
" Yes. Thanks to Kevin, because when he was racing it was also a great time for the 500cc. As you said, I think the level of performance is incredible because now the top 10 or 12 are very close from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. And I think, like the other guys said, a lot of it comes from the electronics and the one-size-fits-all housing. I also think that the tires that Michelin brings, the three choices for the front tires and the three choices for the rear tires, allow you to have the right choice for each rider and each of the different styles. And that helps. And it's been a long time since, more or less, the technical regulations have been the same. So all the bikes have improved and reached a level that is rather similar between the different manufacturers. There are also a lot of young riders who come from Moto2 and who are raising the level. It is therefore a very interesting championship and we must continue like this. »
With the one in Finland, it seems that we could have 20 Grands Prix in 2019. Do you think that is too much, and if so, should the tests be reduced?
“I think we follow F1 a bit. I believe there are 20 Grands Prix in F1. Yes, 20. I agree with Marc. Generally speaking, I prefer racing to testing. Certainly. It's more fun. 18 is already a lot. With 20, we are at the limit. But it's like that. I think we can handle it. The important thing is that we go to interesting tracks, to tracks which are at MotoGP level, where it is good to ride, where there is good surface and good facilities, and which allow the championship to remain at a high level. level. »
You've been coming here for 21 years. Can you compare the Fighting Spirit of boys like Max Biaggi and Sete Ginernau with that of the three boys next to you? Are they stronger than before?
“I think the Fighting Spirit is the same. Because already, 15 years ago, the passion for motorcycles and the passion for victory was the same Biaggi, Gibernau, Capirossi and the others. But over the years, for sure, the new young drivers have raised the level a lot. Our profession has become more serious. The biggest difference is also technical because now, during races, you have to be 100% from the first corner to the last corner. I think that's the biggest difference compared to 15 years ago, and even 10 years ago. Before there was a lot more strategy, also because the tires needed two and a half laps to get up to temperature. And during the last four or five laps, you improved the times by a second and a half. Now you can go from start to finish, so concentration is more important and physical preparation is more important. It is certain that because of this, they are stronger. But the Fighting Spirit is the same. »
Photo credit: MotoGP.com
