MotoGP – Losail Day 1 – Valentino Rossi: "We reduced the deficit from Stoner"

Valentino Rossi can be satisfied with this start of testing at Losail. Although Casey Stoner is decidedly faster, the reigning World Champion has significantly reduced his deficit, being just 3 tenths behind his rival, thus promising a better weekend than expected.

“I can be happy because compared to the tests we have reduced the disadvantage from Casey Stoner: before we were at one second, now we are at 3 tenths”, explains Valentino. “We had some ideas on the set-up and I'm satisfied that they gave the desired results. We can still improve, because today the track was dirty and therefore I think there is the possibility of progressing further. Compared to the tests, the temperatures are warmer and this helps everyone, including us, and I feel safer on my M1. Filming for only 45 minutes is a bit of a problem, you need to organize yourself well with the team, but overall it doesn't seem that problematic to me".

Valentino Rossi has applied a "Forza Abruzzo" sticker to the tail of his M1 to make his closeness felt to the victims of the earthquake that has shocked an entire region in recent days.