MotoGP | GP Jerez Qualifying: Valentino Rossi, “Morbidelli deserves the official bike”

MotoGP GP Spain Yamaha Petronas SRT 2021 – Yet another qualifying to forget for Valentino Rossi who will start from 17th place, sixth row, in the Spanish Grand Prix tomorrow.

A race that promises to be entirely uphill for the "Doctor" who suffers from the usual grip problems at the rear. A situation that currently has no solution and is truly worrying. Here's what the Pesaro native said, but he's holding firm and asking for an official bike for Franco Morbidelli.

Statements Valentino Rossi Spanish GP Jerez Qualifying

“This morning it went a little better, we made some changes and I braked harder and came out of the corners better, I was 7 tenths away from the best time, the problem is that I was 15th, they're all going very fast. This afternoon I finished 17th, the potential was a little higher but nothing sensational. We had electronic problems on the bike, but as I said I would have been a little further ahead. For the race we have to choose the tires, on the front to choose between soft and medium. The choice of the rear is not difficult, because with the hard there is not enough pace, I would opt more for the medium. It will be difficult to choose for the front, between the soft and the medium, and I think most riders will choose the medium.”

Statements Valentino Rossi problems Spanish GP Jerez Qualifying

“I suffer at the rear, I struggle, for my riding style these tires are too soft, but the others are going fast, so we have to resolve the situation ourselves. I try to always be honest, sincere, I try to explain my sensations on the motorbike. Mine is a very difficult challenge, I hoped and thought I could be more competitive, it's tough but we have to try.”

Valentino Rossi statements on Franco Morbidelli Spanish GP Jerez Qualifying

“Franco is one of our riders, we've wanted an official bike for him for a long time, we asked Yamaha, but they said that's how it is for now. If he deserves it, he's scary, but I honestly don't know what to do. However, he's doing very well with his tire too, he's feeling better and I think he'll have a great race tomorrow."