This Thursday, September 9, 2021, Valentino Rossi answered questions from journalists from the Motorland Aragón circuit, as a prelude to the MotoGP de Aragón Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the Italian driver who missed the two rounds in 2020, due to Covid.
As usual, we report here the words of Valentino Rossi without the slightest formatting.
Valentino Rossi: “Aragón is a special circuit, with an interesting layout. In the past it wasn't my best track, I wasn't very strong here. But we have to try to feel good and be fast. Then we will see what happens in the race. Last year I didn't race because of Covid, unfortunately. But the conditions are very different, because last year the problem was that it was too cold. Now it looks like it will be very hot. So we need to understand how to work on the bike and what tires we should use. »
Speaking of tires, what do you think of Francesco Bagnaia's complaints?
« Pecco was fast all weekend at Silverstone, with the exception of the race. It was a strange situation. For me personally the problem is unfortunately worse, in the sense that these tires are very soft for me and I always suffer from it, especially in recent years because the last rear tire is even softer.
At Silverstone I would have had a chance to have a good race if we could have used the hard compound, because with the hard compound I was much faster in practice. But unfortunately it was too cold so we had to choose the medium and unfortunately after 5-6 laps I was already in difficulty.
»
Are you talking about it with Michelin?
« I didn't ask for anything, we have to try to find the solution to improve ourselves. It also depends on each track. Silverstone, for example, is very demanding on the rear tire. It looks like the tire might change a bit in the future, maybe next year, but unfortunately it will be too late for me (laughs)! So we must try our best until the end.
»
Can you give an update on Franco Morbidelli who rode an R1 at Misano last week?
« Franco and Carlo (Casabianca) are fighting against time, because it was a major operation, Franco's knee injury was quite serious. So they did major surgery: Everything is good, but the recovery is very hard and I saw Franky suffer a lot. A lot, a lot of effort every day and now, in the last period, he has improved and he will try to be present in Misano. I hope it will be good. »
Do you have any details about your brother's future?
« Luca will be in a good position next year because it looks like we could have a 2022 Ducati. I think it's better than the current bike and I think it can be more competitive. My advice is to give the maximum, to train as best as possible also at home, because I believe that in the coming year he can have good chances to show his speed and potential. »
What do you think of the situation of Fabio Quartararo who said that Aragón was his worst circuit?
“It’s a very important race for Quartararo because Aragón is not a Yamaha track on paper. In the past we have always struggled, especially with rear tire wear. It won't be easy, but if he can be strong and competitive here in Aragón, it's very important for his world championship. But every year is different and tomorrow we will have to understand how the tire works on this track. »
Training in circuito di pomposa with the @VRRidersAcademy pic.twitter.com/51ofeeZ8fo
- Valentino Rossi (@ ValeYellow46) September 7, 2021
