After three weeks without events, the MotoGP riders meet this weekend in Japan on the Motegi track for the first of three overseas Grands Prix.
Marc Marquez leads the ranking with 52 points ahead. Mathematically, it already plays a first match point in the race for the 2016 title, “This is my first chance, but it will be difficult if not practically impossible,” moderates the Spanish. “I will try to keep the same mentality by working hard. It won't be as easy as in Aragon. We are in better shape. »
Marquez has never won in MotoGP at the Motegi circuit. It is the only track on the calendar with the Red Bull Ring where the Spaniard has never won in MotoGP, “The circuit suits my riding style quite well, but we suffer every year with our bike. We will see how we will best manage this Grand Prix. There are three races in a row and it will be important to finish them all, be calm during practice and find the limit. We have a good advantage and it is not important where and when [I will be titled]. »
Valentino Rossi is Marquez's first opponent in the fight for the crown. Unlike the Hondas, the Yamahas seem at ease on this track, “We don’t have a lot of victories here, but a lot of podiums,” explains the Italian. “We have to understand the tires. Likewise, the weather is always a big problem here. I hope it will be dry and warmer on Sunday, because today it is very cold. »
Rossi has mixed feelings about running three consecutive races, “It's still complicated and challenging, but you stay on the bike longer and you can go faster and faster. These are also three fantastic circuits especially Phillip Island. »
Third in the Championship with 66 points behind,
Jorge Lorenzo is in a position to lose his crown, but the Majorcan does not admit defeat,
“The next events suit me, both for the bike and for my riding style,” Lorenzo says. “We still have to evaluate the behavior of the tires though. »
Regarding the three races, “It’s difficult, but I love it. Usually your muscles are ready. Just like Valentino says, it's difficult, but I prefer to be on the bike as much as possible. »
Regarding the three races, “It’s difficult, but I love it. Usually your muscles are ready. Just like Valentino says, it's difficult, but I prefer to be on the bike as much as possible. »
“Motegi is a Honda track, but we have improved a lot in terms of acceleration and the circuit suits me very well. Despite a shoulder injury last year, I had good pace. This year with the Michelins, we have to see. »
Unlike previous press conferences where Lorenzo refused to answer questions regarding his future with Ducati, today he agreed to answer questions about his first rides on the GP17 next November. Being under contract with Yamaha until December 31, Lin Jarvis does not wish to allow the Majorcan rider to take part in the tests after those in Valencia, “I think after so many years together, I deserve it… but I respect Yamaha's decision, no matter the outcome. I would like to take part in the test, but it's not just up to me. At the moment it looks like I'm only allowed in Valencia, but I still need to get permission for that. » The situation was similar for Maverick Vinales who should obtain authorization from Suzuki to participate in the test in Valencia and Sepang has just obtained it.
On a positive note, a few days ago Lorenzo tested the Mercedes F1 at the Silverstone circuit, “It’s an incredible experience,” confides the Majorcan.
“It’s one of my dreams. The power is incredible and it's a really special feeling. »
Viñales is confident for this event on Suzuki land, “Last edition went well for me… I’m really motivated and the team is quite confident,” He explains. “It’s a good route for me and one that suits me really well. I can't wait to see if we will be able to fight at the front. »
Before Aragon, we had to go back to the 2008 French Grand Prix not to find a Ducati in the Top 10. Andrea Dovizioso reached the finish line in 11th position,
“Finishing 11th is very bad. On paper though, we are strong and confident,” explains the Italian.
“Casey and Loris (Capirossi) have excelled here in the past and we'll see what we can do. » This weekend, his injured teammate Andrea Iannone will be replaced by
Hector Barbera, “I fight against him every year, I know him very well. It's good for us, because it's a completely different driver. » Barbera will be replaced by Mike Jones, 2015 Australian Superbike Champion, in the Avintia Racing team.
Bradley Smith was one of the guests at the press conference. The Briton makes his return to the track after suffering a knee injury during testing for the Oschersleben 8h in Germany almost two months ago,
“It’s just good to be here,” he said.
“It wasn't fun being at home and following everyone else from the couch. Physiotherapy sessions have been difficult and we are not yet where we want to be. My knee lacks strength. There was a lot of damage, but it [the knee] is recovering well and I was able to get back on the bike…fingers crossed. »
The drivers will be back on track tomorrow to kick off the Japanese Grand Prix on the Motegi circuit.
Photo credit: MotoGP.com
Tom Morsellino
