It was a relatively difficult day for the winner of last weekend’s race if we just wanted to focus on the overall standings. But in reality Friday at Losail 2 gave Maverick Vinales a confidence boost, measured against the pace in FP2 and set the times with medium tires.
“Today I felt great, just like last Saturday’s FP4. I’ve had some fantastic times with the medium tire and even if I don’t use that tire for the race it’s still good because I know I can be even faster with the soft tire. “
What happened in your time attack?
“I went out on the track with a preheated tire from last week and I wasn’t feeling well at all. This type of tire does not guarantee the same performance and has been a minor issue in all parts of the circuit. I thought it would be difficult to get into the second quarter because the bike slipped a lot, but I did it and I’m very happy. “”
Many drivers complained about the track conditions. What do you think about it? Are your goals the same tomorrow even if the weather changes?
“Open, I felt good today, there was good grip. Tomorrow it will be important to push hard in qualifying in order to be able to start from the front row. “
Could a little wind help you by slowing the Ducatis down?
“You never know, but Sunday was windy Two Ducatis stood on the podium. We have to think of ourselves ”.
Quartararo: “Today I fought”
On the other side of the Yamaha garage Frenchman Quartararo tried to fill the gap last weekend between him and his team-mate and today, as mentioned, he finished fourth as the best “non-Ducati” bike in the group. How did it go?
“The track conditions have worsened since last week and i didn’t feel good today I tried to stop the bike and the Yamaha’s strength, cornering speed, didn’t seem to be there. There should be better conditions tomorrow for a quick lap. “
You used medium tires in FP2, nobody else. Why this choice?
“I had to save tires for the race, but to be honest, this tire was a disaster. My bike hasn’t changed since last weekend. “
Cross your fingers for the rest of the weekend to get some wind?
“It would certainly be good for us, or rather, It would be worse for the Ducatis. Obviously, having the wind in your face on the straight will affect aerodynamics. “
Told me he had used a tire that was included in last week’s assignment and was therefore already preheated. Did you do that too?
“I don’t think we’re not using these tires because they are exposed to too many changes in temperature.”