The 2017 MotoGP World Championship season kicked off in Losail with the traditional press conference.
Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Maverick Viñales, Andrea Iannone and Cal Crutchlow met to officially launch this new campaign.
Marc Marquez, reigning Champion, had a complicated last winter meeting during which the Catalan fell numerous times – 5 times in total – but he wants to be reassuring, “ This offseason went a little better than last year. We worked well, I feel comfortable on the bike. I would really like to start the year with a good race. There have been big changes, especially to the engine, but the serious things will start this weekend. I know that this is one of the circuits where I suffer the most and that we are not 100% ready. » The Spaniard expects to have to compete against 5 or 6 drivers who will try to steal his crown.
Just like his rival, Valentino Rossi, runner-up last season, also expects a close fight, “ The level is very high with seven or eight drivers capable of fighting for victory and the Championship; we must try to stay in this group. The winter was difficult, it took us a while to find the right feeling. We still have to work to progress. Tomorrow we start a new season and I hope to be strong and competitive. »
A tenth title? “ Since returning to Yamaha, I never started with the idea of winning the Championship. I stay focused on the races. » Finally, regarding the domination of his teammate, Rossi added, “ On the other hand, Viñales had a good pre-season by being fast from his first laps. He was not only fast on all the circuits, he also showed good pace and I think he will be very strong. »
The weather promises to be capricious this weekend with storms forecast for Friday and Saturday. If Michelin will offer a rain tire this weekend, the drivers are not unanimous on the subject of driving under the floodlights in these conditions, “ We hope for good weather, » confides Rossi. “ Nobody knows if we will have to ride on a wet track under the floodlights. We don't know more about visibility. »
After many years under Yamaha colors, Jorge Lorenzo will compete in his very first race for Ducati this weekend, “ It’s a new era that’s beginning and I’m really looking forward to it. During the last test in Qatar, we made significant progress. Our goal now is to improve our pace, but I think it's a question of time. My adaptation took a little longer, but I am now optimistic for the future. »
New recruit of the official Yamaha team, Maverick Vinales dominated his opponents during the winter and hopes to confirm on Sunday, “ It's only the offseason, but I felt up to standard. We found good settings for all the tracks we went to. We will try to follow the same dynamic and be as competitive this weekend. I'm delighted, the team has done an excellent job. »
The Silverstone winner admits that his adaptation was not as easy as it seems, “ Regarding the driving style, there are not many differences, but it was nevertheless difficult. It's a new team and a new way of working with new people, but we've done it the right way. » Like his teammate, Viñales recognizes that there are 8 drivers in a position to fight for victory and the title this season.
Andrea Iannone has joined the Suzuki ranks, “ The offseason was not easy. We started very strongly at Sepang, but since Phillip Island we encountered some difficulties. We are working to reduce the gap that separates us from the leaders and to adapt the bike to my style. At the moment it's quite difficult, but we believe in our potential. »
Winner twice last year, Cal Crutchlow gave a positive assessment of his offseason: “ I am delighted with our pre-season. We had a hectic final test session in Qatar where we determined which direction to take with the engine. We previously compared the old and new versions. Honda has chosen this direction and we are delighted with it. We still have some difficulties finding the right balance, but we have shown that we are fast on all the circuits. »
