The pre-event press conference of this Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana Grand Prix brought together Marc Marquez (SPA-Honda), Valentino Rossi (ITA-Yamaha), Jorge Lorenzo (SPA-Yamaha), Andrea Dovizioso (ITA-Ducati ), Dani Pedrosa (SPA-Honda) and Hector Barbera (SPA-Ducati).
After Andrea Dovizioso's victory in Malaysia, the number of different winners this season has now increased to 9. The previous record dates back to the 2000 season with 8 different winners.
Marquez seeks redemption
Although the fate of the Championship is sealed, there is still the possibility of seeing a new winner this weekend in Valencia. And with the 2017 season looming with big changes on the grid, many want to shine one last time this year.
Marc Marquez, invited to the press conference, will have to begin the defense of his title from the first winter test, but until then, he hopes to forget the two falls which followed his coronation in Japan, “It’s not the best way to celebrate the title…” declares the Spaniard. “It seems like I need a little pressure to succeed.” Valencia always offers an excellent setting and this year, no one really has any pressure. We hope the weather will follow, but it looks like it will be a little trickier for Sunday. »
From Tuesday, Marquez will work on the new version of the Honda RC213V, “We need to stay focused on improving our bike and the important thing will be to start on the right foot. »
Once again vice-Champion, Valentino Rossi admits to being satisfied with his second half of the season although he is still looking for another victory since that of Barcelona, “I couldn't win and Valencia was always difficult. » Regarding the 2016 season and the number of different winners, Rossi added, “I think that many parameters worked together in this direction. The biggest difference lies in the tires, but also in the weather which has been special this season. It’s still excellent for the Championship. »
For the first test, Rossi is waiting for the new YZR-M1 firmly, “It's always a strange feeling to wrap up a season and start a new one the next day. The whole team is waiting for the new bike and it looks interesting. Likewise, many drivers will change teams and it's always interesting to follow these new developments. »
Lorenzo bows out and prepares for his arrival with the Reds
Crowned for the third time in MotoGP in Valencia last year, Jorge Lorenzo will make its last appearance in blue this weekend before joining the red Ducati on Tuesday, “It's really strange, because after so many years with the same people you have to change... We still have three days left with Yamaha. » In gratitude for his eight years in Yamaha colors and three titles, the Mallorcan was offered the YZR-M1 in 2015 version.
Regarding his relationship with Rossi, Lorenzo explains, “I think it will be better now. Everything we have learned from each other will help us on the track and allow us to benefit from it. » For Rossi, “We learned a lot and that has always been a motivation. We made a good team. “
At the end of the day, Lorenzo published a departure “letter” to the brand on his social networks and he hopes to conclude this Yamaha era with a victory before joining the Ducati team.
After his victory at Sepang, his second in MotoGP, Andrea Dovizioso seems less confident on his arrival in Valencia, “This track hasn't been the best for us in the past,” explains the Italian. “I think we will be able to have a good pace from the start and the difference will be marked by the choice of tires. We are finishing the season in a good way and that is important. There have been a lot of ups and downs for everyone this season. »
From Tuesday, Dovizioso will welcome his old rival Lorenzo to the Ducati ranks, “It’s a big change,” confides Dovizioso. “He has always been my rival, even before we arrived in the Grand Prix. I'm happy and I'm really curious to see him riding our bike. »
The return of the Little Samurai
Heavily injured in Japan, Dani Pedrosa marks his return to play in the season finale. The Spaniard first obtained the agreement of his doctors before obtaining that of the circuit's medical team. He will therefore take to the track on Friday morning, " I feel much better, " Pedrosa explains. “The first two weeks were the hardest. I couldn't move. I think I'm doing pretty well compared to the violence of the fall. I don't feel in great shape yet, but I hope I can take advantage of the many left turns to help me. I don't know what I'll be like on the bike. I lost a little strength. »
During his absence, many rumors circulated announcing the retirement of the Spaniard who would leave his place to Cal Crutchlow, “I had to respond immediately to deny this information. »
Originally from Valencia, Hector Barbera plays on home soil this weekend. The Avintia driver concludes his best season in the premier category, “This is without a doubt my best season in MotoGP,” he said. “I finished 4th at Sepang. I had the opportunity to ride the machine I will have next season. It's really different, but it was difficult to understand it over a race weekend. Usually, it takes around ten days to adapt to a new motorcycle. I love Ducati and the character that goes with it. »
