Rossi: doubtful set-up

A third time to enjoy the track.


At Le Mans Valentino Rossi keeps his rivals under control while awaiting the final day of testing tomorrow on the French circuit.

In the fourth race of the season (the French GP) the former world championship elf will try to snatch a fourth consecutive victory.

He, record-breaking driver, in the meantime didn't show his teeth today due to set-up problems and was unable to stay in front of either McCoy and his all-drifting driving or the Japanese Abe (the one he had beaten in Jerez).

Two riders in front at the moment and one behind, world champion Kenny Roberts Junior.

A rider that Valentino respects and respects. The only flaw of the day was a small off-track exit in the morning: but his Super Honda held up, proving it later in qualifying...

Rossi, are you satisfied with your third time at Le Mans?

“Well… today we had some setup problems and frankly we haven't completely resolved them yet…”

So what does the last day of qualifying look like?

“I don't know... We still haven't found the right tires for the race”

Can you tell us about your first day at work?

“During the qualifying test session we lost a lot of time attributing a problem to the suspension that actually came from the front tyre. So I was stuck in the garage for ten minutes to modify the fork and rear shock absorber, without obtaining the desired result in the end."

And then, what happened?

“In the end I lost more time because we believed that the soft rear qualifying tire could last at least four very fast laps... but by the second lap it was already gone. So I went back into the pits to fit another one, but there was a minute left until the end of the tests and I couldn't do anything but start again with the same tyre, just to try the standing start".

Therefore, he is not optimistic for tomorrow.

"Not exactly. The situation is not so desperate...".

Do you think you can aim for a fourth consecutive victory?

“Well… the track is not one of my favourites, because it is the typical “stop and go” circuit, violent braking, low speed corners and straight-line accelerations…”.

Who fears more?

“Surely McCoy… a pilot is comfortable…”.

In short, what can save her?

“I hope it doesn't rain... If the conditions are good tomorrow, I will fight for pole position which in my opinion will be around 1'38. Then on Sunday, if I find the right tyres, it's not out of the question that I won't be able to race to win...".

Source: www.sports.com