The start of the Catalan Grand Prix was less depressing than that of the Italian Grand Prix for Valentino Rossi who finished in the top 10 on Friday. Seventh in the end, the Doctor remains behind the Petronas Yamaha satellite riders, one of whom, Fabio Quartararo, achieved the best time…
In passing, his teammate Casa Particular in Viñales is fifteenth which means once again a factory team criticized by its private team. A scenario that has lasted for three seasons now between the four M1s in the running… Valentino Rossi at least managed to avoid the nightmare of Mugello where he finished 18th on Friday and Saturday. The Doctor this time placed ninth in FP1 at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya and finished seventh in the general classification, thanks to a time of 1'40,520 in FP2.
Red Tried a new exhaust system today, but since he didn't feel much difference, he won't test this part for the next two days. “ The difference seems to be very small. We will make a comparison on Monday during the IRTA test ».
The Yamaha factory team only managed to finish seventh and fifteenth with Red et Casa Particular in Viñales on Friday, while the Petronas customer team secured positions 1 and 6 with Quarterly et Morbidely. And this has been going on for almost three years now. Already in 2017, Johann zarco et Jonas Folger often ahead of the factory driver duo.
And in Montmeló? “ Here in Barcelona the grip is still very low, which was confirmed today » said Valentino. “ But in 2018 there was a new surface, so we were faster the year before. In a year we have lost a lot of grip here. But I like the layout of the track. Nevertheless, I would describe this day as positive. I felt pretty good on the bike. I could ride very well, my pace was not bad, I stayed in the top ten in both sessions ».
« It was hot in the afternoon, but I didn't feel bad. We still have a lot of work to do. We have taken a good step forward. It is important that we stay in the top 10 during FP3 and move straight into Q2. Then we will see what we can do in qualifying » comments Vale.
So thatAndrea Dovizioso in the FP2 reached a top speed of 340,4 km/h, Red claims only 331,4 km/h. Pol Espargaro crossed the straight with the KTM at 338,6 km / h, and the Ducati GP18 rider Abraham at 339,5. Danilo Petrucci was measured at 339,5 km/h, Casa Particular in Viñales at 335,1 km/h. But Fabio Quartararo reached a top speed of just 329,2 km/h…
« Unfortunately, it doesn't help that we have a straight line just before the finish line », sighs Red. " Especially in FP2 with the headwind, it was bad for us. The opponents have lost a few km/h, while we have 10! And in the last three places, there are three Yamahas. We cannot solve this power problem because engine development has been frozen since Qatar. We can't change anything this year ».
MotoGP Catalonia J1: times
