Valentino Rossi, qualified 3rd in this German Grand Prix, went to the post-qualifying press conference 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.
First in line after a difficult day yesterday…
“Yes, yesterday was very bad because we struggled a lot with the front tire temperature. Riding the bike was therefore very dangerous and very frustrating, because you couldn't push as hard as you could, and every time you tried you had the clear feeling of falling. But this morning, when I woke up, (it's as if) we had changed season compared to yesterday, because it's summer, and so it's much better, from every point of view.
Fortunately, yesterday the performance was bad but we were able to understand how to work with the settings, so we improved the bike a lot. I think the track has also improved today, not only because of the temperature, but also because of the rubber; we can have more grip. And we took a step forward in the settings and, already since this morning, I was more competitive and quite fast throughout the day. So it's a good day.
In the end, I'm very lucky to keep the first row, because unfortunately I couldn't improve with the second tire because I was stuck in traffic and, usually in MotoGP, when you don't improve with the second tire, you finish 7th. But luckily I was able to stay in the front row, which is a good place to start the race. »
Can anyone stop Marc from winning?
“So, in normal conditions I think we are quite competitive and we can have a good race, but it seems, looking at the tests, that Marquez is a little bit faster, so I think it will be difficult.
But now the biggest question mark for everyone is the weather. Because everyone says that tomorrow will be more like yesterday and, honestly, if it's very, very cold, we have a big, big problem because we can't ride the bike. And if it's wet, it's a big question mark for everyone because we have to start from there and we don't know if we're competitive or not. »
Why is this circuit so difficult for the Yamahas?
“Indeed, I think it’s not the best circuit for us, for our bike; usually our bikes need a little more space to take the corners, but as I said before, there was nevertheless something good yesterday because we were able to understand the direction to follow to trying to resolve the lack of feeling with the front. Because we know that when the front tire doesn't work, it's a disaster, but I fixed something on the bike that I didn't like, and I think we made the correct change for today , so it wasn't just the temperature.
Pol (Espargaro) was also not that bad during all the testing sessions, he is fast, so his M1 is also good.
About Jorge, I think it is certain that a crash at turn #11 on Friday is not good for anyone. Yesterday afternoon it was very difficult for everyone, but today, in Q1, before falling, he was already fast, because he was in 21.7 and he had already lit the red helmet in the second section, but then he fell again. So for me, that was the moment where he lost a bit of concentration, and I think that's why he starts at the back, and also because we're all close. Pedrosa was also very fast during practice, but afterwards he didn't go around (fast) and Pedrosa is also behind, because if you make a small mistake you are on the third row. »
Editor's note: with that, Valentino Rossi pretends to leave, but, unlike usual, it doesn't work and a journalist asks him a new question.
Last week you welcomed 5 young Asian talents to your ranch. Do you think they would have potential in Moto3?
" Yes. Honestly, it was a very good experience and all these 5 drivers are solid. They impressed me. They are very fast. Particularly two that are faster. Above all, they are very courageous (laughs), perhaps a little too much (laughs), but regarding their talent, it's incredible, because they learn very quickly. These two guys are also young, so I think they can have the potential for the world championship. It was a good experience. »
New attempt at departure, new failure… 🙂
What did you say yesterday in the Security Commission about Montmelo?
“Honestly, we still don't know, but I think the track will remain that of F1 with perhaps a few small modifications. »
Did you also talk about the Sachsenring and the Red Bull Ring?
“The Sachsenring is a circuit that, honestly, I like, but for me there are two or three that are quite dangerous. Yesterday, there were a lot of drivers and everyone mentioned one or the other. For me, personally, coming out of turn #8, going to turn #9, it's a place where there's not enough space and it's very dangerous.
So I think they need to change the clearance zone to try to get a few more yards. I hope so, because it's a very dangerous place.
In Austria, I was there 20 years ago and I don't remember very well, but a few drivers used the track, like Marc, and for me there are 3 or 4 points which are dangerous, like the exit of the last turn. So we will go for the test, Tuesday and Wednesday, and we will check with the MotoGP, and we hope that, if there are some dangerous ones, we will resolve the problems to improve the situation. »
What is the main reason why the Yamaha is less competitive when it is cold?
“Fortunately, this is not always (the case). In this case, I think it's because the softer option (of the tire) is still too hard. And especially when the temperature is low, you cannot heat the tire. And the tire does not work, does not start the procedure. I think if we had a softer notch the bike would also be ok in cold weather. »
