Nineteenth and twentieth on Friday, twelfth and fifteenth on Saturday, it's nothing to say that this Australian Grand Prix is not what is most exciting for the Yamaha factory. And for Sunday? Direct opponents warn: Lorenzo and Rossi will be there.
The official Yamahas are in bad shape after two days spent in the cold and humidity of the Phillip Island track. Outside the top 10 and at a pace that doesn't impress anyone, they are however not crossed out by adversity for the promised Sunday race on dry ground. Even a Red fifteenth, his worst place on a regular starting grid since Aragon 2011 is still a danger: “ Valentino stopped at his pit to set up intermediates during Q.1 but he was unable to set correct times » comments the man with 65 pole positions Márquez. “ He took a risk and it was not the right strategy. But with him you never know. He could prove to be the fastest tomorrow in the race. We all know his talent. If we have a normal race tomorrow, he will be there ».
As for Crutchlow, second in the first line, we do not deny: “ It's surprising to see them so far away, but it can happen to anyone. To Marc to Dani, to Jorge, anyone. We know that Jorge does not like these conditions and Valentino has not opted for the right strategy. It's a shame, but they will be there in the race. Their concern will be to overtake a lot of drivers and that's where we lose time. But I wouldn't be surprised to get picked up by one of them before the end. You never know with these! »
As for Pol Espargaro, author of the third time and best Yamaha representative, he finished: “ Everyone can have a slump. This Saturday was not that of Lorenzo and Rossi. They were unlucky and that can happen in conditions like this. In the race tomorrow, they will be competitive. They are incredible drivers. I hope they overtake me as late as possible, but I'm actually afraid it will happen quite soon! »
It will be recalled that Yamaha has not won anything since June. It was in Catalonia…
