MotoGP | GP Argentina Press Conference: Rossi, "I expect to be able to have a good race"

MotoGP GP Argentina Press Conference – Valentino Rossi was one of the protagonists of the press conference of the Argentine Grand Prix, second stage of the 2018 MotoGP.

The Yamaha rider, fresh from the podium in Qatar, spoke thus on the eve of the first day of testing, with the first free practice of the MotoGP class starting at 14pm Italian time.

“In Qatar we also did a good job during testing. I expect to be able to have a good race. After Qatar you can never say what will happen, on paper we are competitive here, I have always been competitive. We have to check the conditions, there is new asphalt, but I like the track. Last year this was the best weekend for us, but now the situation is different, Honda and Ducati are stronger than last season. The important thing is that the bike and the tires work well.”

Yamaha has always been strong on this track, how do you explain that?

“I don't know why the track suits the Yamaha, it's difficult to say. I've felt comfortable here since the first year, it's fluid, excellent for our bike. It also depends on the marriage between asphalt, motorbike and tyres, rather than on the architecture of the engine.”

A question then about Franco Morbidelli, 2017 Moto2 world champion, MotoGP rookie and rider of the VR46 Riders Academy.

“We believe a lot in Franco. We've seen him grow and he's always had great potential. As you were saying, it's not an easy time to arrive in MotoGP. There are fast bikes and at least 10 riders who can fight for the podium. It will be tough. This year he will have to gain experience for next year, when maybe he will have a better bike.”

Addressing the doping topic, he responded as follows.

“In my opinion it is not a sport with a high risk of doping, but I agree if we want to increase controls. If you want to do more checks we are there."

Social Question: Ever used a sports psychologist?

“I'm old and when I started there weren't even specialists. Everyone has their own tricks and secrets for finding concentration. Other pilots use it, but it depends from pilot to pilot.”