MotoGP Aragon: Valentino Rossi “The second row is a good result, I hope for a dry race”

For the first time since the new qualifying system was introduced, Valentino Rossi was forced to compete in Q1 in order to access Q2, where the starting grid is decided. In Aragon the Pesaro driver was unable to enter the top ten in the combined ranking of the three free practice sessions, but in the end he still got the second row with the sixth fastest time. Ultimately a positive result, but the feeling with the M1 is far from that of Misano and the Hondas are far away, especially in terms of pace. Here's what he said at the end of the tests.

“It was a difficult day, especially this morning, when I had to take part in Q1. However, we had a good strategy and considering that I only had one tire for Q2 it's not bad to start from the second row. Above all, we improved the bike a bit, but for tomorrow it will be important to take another step."

In case of rain (forecast for tomorrow) how do you think you'll be?

“In case of rain, or in any case with low temperatures, we will certainly suffer more. In the wet, both Honda and Ducati go faster and if it were to rain already tomorrow morning it would be a big problem, given that we plan to try other changes that could help us. So I hope for good weather.”

Today Lorenzo once again had a tire problem, it seems to be faulty. He always happens to you, what are your thoughts?

“It could be a bit of bad luck or it could depend on the characteristics of the bikes. From memory, however, Honda also had similar problems, both with Marquez and Pedrosa."

Have you already chosen the tires for the race?

“Medium or hard in front, medium in back. Much will also depend on the temperature.”