This Thursday, the traditional pre-Grand Prix conference brought together at the Bugatti circuit Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo and the two French MotoGP starters Johann Zarco and Loris Baz.
Valentino Rossi:
About Nicky Hayden: “It was difficult to do in the first few hours. I immediately contacted the doctor I know who let me know that the situation was serious... It's really regrettable. Nicky comes from a family of pilots. He has enormous talent, he was also World Champion. But he's also a good guy, always with a smile. We all hope for the best. »
Regarding the French GP: “ The Jerez weekend was really disappointing. We didn't expect that, given our results in the first three races, especially since we won last year. We have lost the advantage we had, but we are still ahead, which is positive. We must try to understand why we have had so much trouble. In this sense, we don't really know what to expect from this weekend. In the past this route has always suited the M1 well, we'll see... We're also forecasting quite a bit of rain but it will be a good test. Concerning the new surface, we had a day of testing here after Jerez. The conditions weren't fantastic but I think they did a good job: there are a lot fewer bumps, the grip is better. »
Marc Marquez:
“Jerez was a good surprise both for me and for the whole team. Despite everything, I suffered during the weekend, even if I managed to fight for victory until the last lap. The Test that followed allowed me to progress further. Le Mans, on the other hand, is a question mark. This is a circuit on which we encountered difficulties during the two previous editions. This year, everything is different like the motorcycle. We have some data collected by Cal Crutchlow during his testing. We will do our best to achieve a good result. »
Dani Pedrosa:
“During the last two races we made good progress, both in qualifying and in the race. The last Test went quite well too. Our pace was pretty good, so we hope to continue on this path. Now we have to see the new surface, but according to the riders who have already ridden here, it looks better. You will also have to worry about the weather. Difficult to say at the moment what the conditions will be. Le Mans is a circuit that I like, but we encountered some difficulties there in past years. On the other hand, the Yamahas have always been very strong. And then there is Johann, who showed himself very strong at the start of the season and who is in front of his audience... In short, several drivers could be in the mix. We will have to stay focused on our work and move forward step by step. »
Jorge Lorenzo:
“Le Mans has always been a good track for me. I have always achieved good results there, whatever the category. This track could also suit the Ducati quite well, taking into account their previous performances. We will have to see the new asphalt and especially the weather […] I had difficulty during the first four races. It seemed very long to me because I was used to good results. But I never gave up, I always believed in myself, in the team and in the potential of the bike. I just needed more time to adjust. Our work is not yet done, but I already feel much better. We must stay focused. »
John Zarco:
« It's a special weekend. Just going to the press conference, everyone was screaming, it's a nice surprise. It shows that being fast in MotoGP pleases people, who support you in return. It’s an additional source of motivation to persevere. We need to talk more about our discipline in France and I think this is possible by staying with the top drivers. After this good race in Jerez, all the fans are pushing me and shouting “Zarco podium! ". I want it, I think the bike has the potential, but I also need time to control all the parameters. The track has been resurfaced and in the wet, better grip could help me get a decent feeling. The machine is good for the moment, regardless of the conditions. Combined with the fact that I feel comfortable on the bike, why not stay at the front? »
Loris Baz:
“I remember coming here as a child to support the French pilots. I always remember my first home Grand Prix two years ago, a moment that you keep in mind for the rest of your life. I really liked it and it's great to see all these people coming to this meeting. It is a famous event in France, much more than one might believe. It's special, and I love running at home. I feel better this year; I have a new chief mechanic and we are giving the best with this bike. At Le Mans, I hope to find the same one that I had in Argentina or even in Qatar. But above all, I want to enjoy and have fun on the bike. »
