The contrast in the Yamaha box is striking. While Valentino Rossi admits not yet being comfortable on his Yamaha, seeking to resolve his lack of sensation with the front to the point of working on position and distribution of masses, on the other hand, at Maverick Vinales, we have exactly the opposite discourse . We line up the rapid turns without weakening and we declare ourselves ready for combat.
Undefeated since the start of this offseason, Maverick Vinales had to lower the flag this time on a Losail track which gives pride of place to Ducatis. If, in addition, the Desmosedici is well led by a fast and experienced Dovizioso, it’s a challenge to find yourself at the top of the hierarchy. The 22-year-old Spaniard understood this at the end of this first Qatari evening, but it's not the kind of situation to discourage him. Because he had reasons for satisfaction this Friday, starting with the confirmation that he is indeed a favorite for the 2017 world title.
« I'm satisfied, things are going well and we could fight for my victory if the race took place nowant”. This is the assessment drawn up by a Casa Particular in Viñales who does not doubt. “ I'm riding the bike fast and well, the team is happy, we haven't stopped racing and each time we've made progress. Times were fast for a first day and Dovizioso flew through. I tried to follow him under 1'55 per lap, but I didn't succeed ».
Casa Particular in Viñales had to settle for second place, 360 thousandths behind the official GP17. “ But we did a good job. I'm getting along better and better with the team, we're fast on all types of track and we haven't changed the bike much for Qatar. We're still looking for grip though because we want to be faster on the apex. As for tire wear, we are on the right track. We tried electronic settings, we played with the power, the traction control and all that because we want to have the setting for the next race from these tests. But hey, you never know. Maybe we will have other tires in two weeks and we will have to review everything ».
A remark made as if to not ignite. “ At the moment, I've had a hard time slowing down and being quick at the rope point. The Yamaha doesn't really like being driven like that, but we are adapting it to this riding style because I believe it will help us win. We are at a good level and I know that if I can attack 100%, we will be in front. For the chassis, we are focusing on the new one but I like both. I was able to do a 1'55.1 but most often I run in 1'55.4. I'm regular. But we have to stay mobilized”.
With this he ends by not forgetting anyone… “ Our opponents are very strong. And I always look at what I can learn from Valentino. He has so much experience and I take advantage of it ". A mark of sympathy that will go straight to the Doctor’s heart.
Chronos J1:
1. Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati, 1:54,818
2. Maverick Vinales, Yamaha, 1:55,179
3. Cal Crutchlow, Honda, 1:55,420
4. Karel Abraham, Ducati, 1:55,613
5. Jorge Lorenzo, Ducati, 1:55,617
6. Jonas Folger, Yamaha, 1:55,641
7. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha, 1:55,679
8. Dani Pedrosa, Honda, 1:55,691
9. Johann Zarco, Yamaha, 1:55,704
10. Andrea Iannone, Suzuki, 1:55,751
11. Danilo Petrucci, Ducati, 1:55,829
12. Marc Marquez, Honda, 1:55,900
13. Aleix Espargaró, Aprilia, 1:55,915
14. Jack Miller, Honda, 1:56,015
15. Scott Redding, Ducati, 1:56,084
16. Alvaro Bautista, Ducati, 1:56,116
17. Loris Baz, Ducati, 1:56,193
18. Alex Rins, Suzuki, 1:56,941
19. Pol Espargaro, KTM, 1:56,666
20. Sam Lowes, Aprilia, 1:57,091
21. Tito Rabat, Honda, 1:57,456
22. Mika Kallio, KTM, 1:58,039
23. Bradley Smith, KTM, 1:58,754
