MotoGP – Sachsenring QP1 – Rossi and Edwards make progress

Team Gauloises Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards recovered today, after yesterday's difficult day at the Sachsenring, and improved their respective positions, qualifying on the second and third rows for the German Grand Prix which will be held tomorrow. Rossi in particular impressed with his progression, after yesterday's disappointing thirteenth place, managing, this afternoon, to fight for pole position which then went to Nicky Hayden (Honda).
With Sete Gibernau and Alex Barros (both on Honda) together with Hayden on the front row, Rossi closed the session just 0.188 seconds off the fastest time of the day and the Italian declared himself satisfied with both the progress made with the set-up of the his YZR-M1 and fourth place on the grid. Edwards also showed encouraging progress, but he was unable to find a "compromise" set-up that was perfectly suited to the circuit, which has diametrically opposed needs in the two sections - one slower and one faster. The American finished in seventh position and will start from the third row.

VALENTINO ROSSI (4th – 1'22.973; 29 laps)

“Today I am much happier – the team did an excellent job to prepare my bike for this track which is so particular. Yesterday we were a little lost, but today we made great progress. This morning we solved the problems we had with the front end while this afternoon we made excellent progress with the rear, even with the race tyres. At the last corner of the last lap I made a small mistake which cost me a tenth, but I'm still only 0.188 seconds from pole. Considering where we were yesterday, I'm definitely happy. Tomorrow the race will be very tough because there are four or five riders who have the pace to stay in front, but we did an excellent job today and therefore I think we will be able to compete tomorrow."

COLIN EDWARDS (7th – 1'23.139; 31 laps)

“Today we improved, but it was hard! This morning I mounted a qualifying tire even though it was free practice to see how it went and only on that occasion was I able to do a fast lap. I lose three tenths in the third section and it's a problem we haven't been able to solve yet. Three tenths is already a lot on one lap, on just one section it is exaggerated! But it's also true that yesterday we were in such bad shape that if they had told me that today I would be in seventh place, it would have worked out quite well for me. We know what the problem is and the team is doing everything possible to solve it. We just have to give our best during the warm up to try to find a solution."

DAVIDE BRIVIO – GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR

“The team reacted well to the problems we had yesterday and both drivers managed to improve their times. Furthermore, Valentino did a few laps with an excellent pace and starting from the second row will not be a problem for him. I am convinced that in the race he will play as usual. Colin will have a more difficult time starting from the third row, but let's hope that he can improve further tomorrow morning and then join the leading group. Let's see what will happen in the race tomorrow, but I am still satisfied with what the team has done so far and in particular with their reaction to yesterday's difficult situation. We hope to be able to go on holiday in a good mood!”

Yamaha MotoGP