For Valentino Rossi, the Austin race will again be an uphill race, with a start from the slums (the penultimate position) and the hope of climbing back to the top. Things could have been better today, but a crash in qualifying thwarted all his efforts.
“I felt better than yesterday, in FP3 I didn’t go badly and in FP4 I improved my pace – explained the Doctor – In qualifying, with the first tire I hadn’t had a bad time, but in the second exit I found myself in traffic, I tried to push and I lost the front. It’s a shame because I’ll have to start a long way back and my pace isn’t great”.
It will also be a very tough race.
“From a physical point of view, certainly – has continued – Forecasts say tomorrow could be the hottest day and this will also affect tire choice. At the front I think most of the riders will use the hard, but at the rear it’s all open. Some bikes could be fitted with the soft, but I don’t think Yamaha, our choice is between medium and hard”.
If Valentino’s day was not the best, he can console himself with the pole position of his pupil Bagnaia and the third row of his brother Marini.
“Pecco is impressed, he is on his third consecutive pole and drove a breathtaking lap – complimented him – He’s in great shape and it’s a pleasure to see him ride, I haven’t seen a rider riding the Ducati like that for a long time. Luca, on the other hand, took a big step forward in the Misano tests and 9th place more reflects his potential, because in training he is always very fast, both at the Ranch and on the Panigale. I hope he can have a good race ”.
If Bagnaia and Marini, together with Morbidelli, are the flagships of his Academy, Alberto Surra is the latest arrival.
“Our mission is to help Italian riders get to MotoGP by taking them as young people, as we have done so far. Surra immediately seemed like a talented driver and he trained with us for a year because we had to understand his character, we want simple and polite guys. In the Academy there is a bit of hazing, like in the barracks, you have to earn the sympathy of the senators – he joked – Alberto is undoubtedly fast and I also think a good guy”.
The aspiring emulators of Valentino, however, are also present in other leagues. Razgatlioglu today in Portimao has revived the gag of the mop made famous by the Doctor in Sepang in 20o4.
“He mentioned me, how nice! – Rossi smiled – In my opinion Toprak could also go fast in MotoGP because he has great control of the bike and a modern riding style. He is very young, I hope we have a chance to come and run here”.
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