The Thai Grand Prix post-qualifying conference brought together Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Marco Bezzecchi.
As usual, we report in full and without journalistic interpretation the comments of those involved, such as those of Valentino Rossi today.
Valentino Rossi : “It’s like a surprise, even for us, because we had encountered some problems during testing on this circuit. But when I arrived yesterday, I didn't feel bad during testing. It seems that this time our bike is working the tires in a good way, and when you start on a good level it makes it easier to make the right decisions. Today we worked well with the team, we followed the right direction and I improved a lot between the morning and the afternoon, as did my pace. In the end, yes, it's a shame to miss pole position for nothing, but considering that I always started from the 4th or 5th row in the last races, and even 18th in Aragon, it's a very good result for a Saturday.”
Have you made any changes between yesterday and today? And when have you not felt this good on the Yamaha?
“We actually changed something from Aragon, but the bike remains very similar. So maybe it's just a better marriage between the tires, the M1 and this track. Between yesterday and today we worked hard to try to improve the balance and try to create more grip. And I feel good because I'm not bad when braking. I'm happy to start from the front row but I'm also happy about my pace in FP4, because I'm quite strong with my racing tires. So now we have to confirm tomorrow because you never know. We have to try to have a good race and fight for the podium.”
The decision to have a single tire manufacturer was to make tires less important. Ten years later, it seems that they are more and more important. What do you think about this ?
“For me, whatever it is, the single manufacturer is a good thing. But like you say, tires are key. For us we had a lot of problems in Aragon because we couldn't get the tires to work, and here we are strong because the bike is good with the tires. So tires will be key, even with a single manufacturer. It's a bit like with the standard ECU for everyone. In 2016, this idea was to spend less money and put less effort on the electronic side, but it's completely the opposite: even with a normal ECU, the electronics are extremely important. But that’s normal because it’s MotoGP. For me, the important thing is that Michelin, a unique manufacturer, has a lot of power. So they continue to give everyone good tires of good quality and make efforts for the highest motorcycling championship. Because sometimes, in the past, the single manufacturer tried to save money year after year and the quality of the tires became worse. So it’s in Michelin’s hands, but I think they’re doing a good job.”
Is the progress made this weekend only due to the track or something else that will continue in the future? And do you regret not having had them sooner?
“Honestly, we arrived here with small modifications regarding the acceleration but, on paper, we didn't expect it to be much better. So I hope with all my heart that we can be strong on all circuits, but unfortunately I strongly believe that it is due to the track and the tires. But whatever it is, it's good. It's only Saturday and we have to wait until tomorrow, because also in Misano we were fast on Saturday, but not on Sunday. So we will talk after the race and then we will see in Motegi if we are better or if it was just the track.”
Maverick Vinales said the heat coming from the engine was very high. Is this the same for you?
“Yes, our bike creates a lot of temperature, and sometimes, like at Silverstone, it's good and it helps (laughs). So for me it becomes a problem when the temperature is very high, because combined with that of the bike it becomes difficult. But I don’t feel so bad.”
Are progress in electronics linked to the arrival of Michele Gadda?
“Yes, during the last period, Yamaha had new engineers. Gadda is one of them and there are also some in Japan. This is something that comes from this new working group. So it looks like Yamaha is trying harder, and that's what we need to try and fight with Honda and Ducati."
What strategy did you advise Lorenzo Baldassarri and Marco Bezzecchi who both took pole position?
“This weekend I worked a little harder with the guys because it's a new track and I did the tests there in February. I was like their godfather to introduce them to the circuit, but Baldassari didn't come and he is still in pole position, so I don't think my advice makes the difference (laughs). I tried to give them some advice because we know the track. Going to a new circuit is always an interesting challenge for drivers. I'm happy to be strong there and I gave some advice because we did the tests there in February. We talked about the circuit and how to drive there, but not about strategy. They do it themselves with their team, but not with me.”
MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix Qualifying classification:
Photo credits and classification: MotoGP.com
