MotoGP | GP Misano 2023: the Press Conference LIVE

Dear friends of MotoGrandPrix, we are waiting to hear the riders' statements in the press conference of the San Marino Grand Prix which will take place this afternoon at 17pm.
Today's press conference will be divided into two parts. The first will feature: Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, Aleix Espargarò and Marco Bezzecchi. In the second part, there will be: Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Luca Marini

LIVE MOTOGP MISANO PRESS CONFERENCE STARTING FROM 17 PM

18:06 The press conference ends here. Thanks for following us and have a good evening!

18:04 All the riders agree in criticizing Dorna's decision to broadcast replays of the accidents on TV several times because this way you lose concentration

17pm And finally, Luca Marini speaks renewed with the VR46 team: “A good moment, I can concentrate on the last races of the season, I have improved compared to last year with the team. We must continue to fight for the most important positions to be ready next year. I spoke with Vale, Ducati and Alessio Salucci, we want to be competitive and together we tried to make the correct decision. The ambition is the official team, my contract is only for one year to be in line with the other riders in case a place becomes available"

17pm The word goes to Fabio Quartararo: “It was a difficult weekend in Barcelona, ​​we don't know where to start again because we returned to the basic setup from last year. Honestly, on the eve of the GP we had lost the ability to turn. I was on the phone with Cal, he told me about the data he collected in the tests but I prefer not to know everything and collect the information. Cal was thorough in the phone call but I'm keeping it to myself."

17pm It's Maverick Vinales' turn: “It's always nice to have a positive weekend but now another race awaits us, I really like the track, I see myself in the battle. We will try to have fun and enjoy this beautiful track to put in a good performance. I feel strong in the third sector, I feel prepared and I arrive here with a good basic structure. We have a good package and I see possibilities here, even if there will be many strong riders."

17pm Brad Binder begins to speak: “The start of the race last Sunday was hectic, I'm happy that Pecco came out unscathed and I hope he's at his best tomorrow. I can't wait to get back on track, it's a good track for us and I'm curious to see how we'll do. I feel good, I think the bike can work well here too. I have the feeling that a little more grip will help us a lot. Monday with the tests will be a very busy day, if I had to choose one thing, it would be less spinning"

17pm See you soon with the second part of the press conference

17pm ​​Bagnaia: “I saw the race, it was nice to see the Aprilias, it would have been interesting if I had been there, maybe I would have fought with them. I think it won't be different than in Barcelona, ​​the different thing is that there it's riskier because you arrive in fifth gear and the corner is 25 degrees"

17pm ​​Bagnaia critical of the Barcelona circuit: “For me we can't continue racing there, the asphalt is a disaster. With the rules on pressure, you face the 25 like on the ice."

17pm Bagnaia on the accident: “I don't know if the team has already spoken to Michelin, I'm asking for an answer because I would like to understand why the bike was so slippery even on the formation lap. It seemed like the longest slide ever, the bike started pumping on the front I was prepared to have a nice flight, then when I was in the air I heard the airbag exploding. Thanks to our partners we have hip protectors, on the track I then saw all the bikes and felt the KTM on my legs. I was lucky, unfortunately for Enea there had already been an accident which opened a gap with the bikes behind. The greatest work was done by Brad and Jorge because they knew how to manage the situation"

17pm And here is Aleix Espargarò: “The emotions I felt in Barcelona will remain forever. Riding the bike since Friday I felt like a superhero but there's no time to celebrate and we're starting from scratch, we hope to experience more days like this. My dream was to stand on the top step of the podium in my home GP with my children. Silverstone and Barcelona suited us but I have to say that Aprilia is improving from race to race, getting on the podium in three of the last four races means that our level is rising"

17pm The word goes to Marco Bezzecchi: “After the fall I felt a lot of pain in my left hand but with the adrenaline I was able to run. Luckily there's nothing serious, just bruises but the muscles in my hand are very tight and it's difficult for me to hold the handlebars tight but I'm doing physiotherapy and today I feel better than yesterday. This is a physical track, I feel good physically and I feel ready to fight"

17pm It's Jorge Martin's turn: “Last year here I struggled a lot, I don't have high expectations but I'll do my best. I hope the bike goes well, the grip is good and I like the track. It was a complicated weekend in Barcelona but by analyzing it I understood that it was my fault, after many hours of analysis, we understood the path to take and we made an incredible step. I hope this can help me be competitive everywhere. It would be fantastic to win here."

17pm Pecco Bagnaia begins to speak: “I am happy and lucky to be here, I must be grateful to the hard work that is being done in terms of safety. We worked a lot to be here, Monday was not an easy day for me, I am very proud of them, the progress I have made from Monday to now is incredible, I will continue with the therapy throughout the weekend. I tried to get on the bike before and I feel good. I have pain in my leg and butt, the problem is in my right knee, I have a large hematoma that reaches up to my foot, so it will be a problem to bend the bike. As for the accident, as soon as I folded the bike and opened the throttle, I lost the rear. As far as electronics and driving are concerned, we made no mistakes. It was a strange accident and it is important to understand everything. We'll try to do everything we can, this is one of my favorite weekends, the power and energy of the fans is incredible"

17pm Just a few more minutes and we will listen to the pilots' statements. Pecco Bagnaia will also be present, having received the FIT from the doctors after the bad accident during the Barcelona Grand Prix