Valentino Rossi held his own press conference in his hospitality to answer various questions from journalists.
As usual, in order to avoid any sometimes abusive journalistic interpretation, we offer you here a “raw” translation of all of his words.
Valentino Rossi: “It was a difficult day because the weather was very bad, and that made everything more complicated, and also more dangerous, because even the softest tire for the front is a little too hard for this temperature.
Everyone, including Michelin, was hoping for a better temperature, a few degrees warmer like last week. But unfortunately it's very cold. So we have to be careful with the front, especially on the right.
This morning the start was pretty good, I had a pretty good feeling, but then it started to rain. In the afternoon we tried something different and unfortunately I also had to work with the worn tires, front and rear, as that was the only option. It was therefore not possible to fit new tires. I think the feeling, with the worn tires in the morning and especially in these conditions, is very bad, and I was not able to attack to set a good time. Unfortunately, towards the end we tried something on the bike that I didn't like very much. So, in the end, we tried to fit new tires but I couldn't set a time because I was stuck in traffic. If that hadn't been the case, I think I could have gone a little faster.
But whatever happens, our potential is very limited. It seems like all the Yamahas today had problems with the front end. We don't have enough feeling with the front, especially on the right and especially in turn #1, but also in the other right corners. In the end, I wasn't able to complete a lap while attacking at 100%. So I'm in a bad place.
but in any case, we hope, for tomorrow and in particular for Sunday, to have better weather, better temperatures, and I hope that we can be better. »
No reason to take risks today?
“In my opinion, the biggest problem is also... the situation is already difficult, but with the worn tire in the morning, I never had the feeling to attack. I had the clear feeling that if I tried harder, I could lose the lead. Turn #11 is a very dangerous place, very fast, so maybe it's better to wait a little bit and hope for better conditions tomorrow. »
The transition to turn #11 is a little slower, compared to Bridgestone?
“The biggest problem today for everyone was the temperature. Because last year, with the Bridgestones, it was a very nice weekend.
From Friday, the temperature was already good in the morning, in the afternoon, and still dry. As we got closer to the race, we could work on the bike, work on the tire. The problem this year is that the temperature is critically low. The temperature of the asphalt is below 20°, and usually MotoGP does not work when the asphalt is below 20°. This is the most important problem. And also, you have to try to warm up the tire after lap, but it's not enough. Even after 6 or 7 rounds it is still cold. If we had a softer alternative, it would obviously be much better. But with only two dual-compound tires, they have to make a decision, and, unfortunately, it's a very bad one. That's the major problem, I think. I think that if tomorrow the temperatures are better, then the situation will become easier. »
Two different tanks or the same?
“I don't know Jorge's program exactly, but I know that I want to try the other tank again, to try to find something else, but I continue with my bike, with my program, to try to other things, and work more on the settings. And I think I'll continue like this for the rest of the weekend. »
Is the Sachsenring the most difficult circuit in terms of driving?
“I think that above all this track offers a particular layout, because it is very narrow, in particular the first part, and in particular it is the only place where you stay 25 seconds inclined to the left. And honestly, it's also very physically demanding. It's also a short track, and you have to do 30 laps during the race, so it's very difficult. But I don't know, for me Assen is more difficult, or other long and fast circuits. Ultimately, the circuit is not bad, but the main problem is left-left-left then right. So every turn you get there, it's very scary. You have a lap where it's good, a lap where it's not, with yellow flags, pieces of fairings everywhere, and drivers leaving on foot. So it's not a good feeling because you never get into the rhythm, you have to slow down every time you get here because it's very fast and you have the clear feeling that if you try harder you might fall. But apart from that the rest is good, I like the circuit. »
