The comments of Max Biaggi, Alex Barros and Valentino Rossi after the first day of testing at Estoril….

Max Biaggi:
“Today I have the seventh fastest time, about half a second behind Barros. The fact is that this
track is very bumpy and we haven't yet managed to find a set up that works for us
fits well on neither bike. One was fitted with the 'old' chassis, that one
that I used in the race in Brno, so to speak, and the other the new one. It has to be said
however, we have not attempted any major upheavals regarding the chassis
compared to the race two weeks ago, preferring to work above all on
tires. Here Michelin didn't bring us the usual six or seven different types
try (rear) but only three, the same for everyone. Choosing the right one is
important and today I did several laps with the same tire working at the same time
on suspensions. Tomorrow we will stick to the solution of keeping the two bikes with the
two different frames but we will intervene more on the geometry of both. Let's hope so
of being able to improve the manageability of the bike entering corners where currently
I don't feel comfortable, especially with the front end. With the current setup
I can't be incisive. However, if not tomorrow morning, at least for the afternoon
we should be able to take the step forward we need. Let's hope so
that time does not change and allows us to work"

Alex Barros:
““I'm very happy, I didn't expect a result like this.
I've never liked the track very much but perhaps a decisive help
Michelin gave it to us and brought a new front tyre.
However, I'm under no illusions, I know that 4-strokes can still improve while for
it will be hard for us."

Valentino Rossi:
“I'm not satisfied, it's true that we have the third time but it's missing
grip especially in the big bend before the straight.
Tomorrow we will try some other solution and I hope to solve this problem."