Yamaha is the main theme these days, from the suspension of Vinales to the announcement by Petronas to withdraw its sponsorship from the satellite team. Since Valentino is one of the symbols of the Japanese company, it is impossible not to speak to him about these subjects, starting with apologizing from his former teammate.
“Today Vinales said what he had to say. He was frustrated, he was really angry, but he didn’t want to do any harm“, Explained Rossi. “These things can happen and he apologized. I think he can probably compete again in the next race and it would be better for everyone.”
This morning we received the news that from next year Petronas will no longer sponsor the SRT team you are driving with.
“Last night they told me they were finishing the teams in Moto2 and Moto3 and that is very bad news because they were two top teams. Not to mention that Petronas is an important name in our field. “
You are thinking of Binder in MotoGP next year.
“Darryn has a lot of support from the team and he should have been in Moto2 in 2022. He already has the right physique for the premier class, but direct entry from Moto3 might not be easy.”
The satellite team is definitely weakened as a result. How do you see the future of Yamaha?
“The team will still be there and always be at the same level as it is now. The most important thing is the official team and they are not in bad shape. Quartararo is very strong and young. If there are Morbidelli too, they have two great drivers. There are other designers who have focused more on young people for the future, but I don’t see Yamaha’s situation as badly. After all, they lead the championship. “
Let’s talk about the race. You start tomorrow on the 18th.
“I’m not very happy because I could have done better today. Unfortunately, the second soft tire I fitted in qualifying had no grip. It didn’t work and it was a bit frustrating. I was able to improve, nothing extraordinary, but by a few positions, yes. However, the pace I kept in FP4 wasn’t bad and we’re all very close. I want to get a few points tomorrow. “
You weren’t the only one complaining about the tires today.
“Unfortunately, it sometimes happens during the season. That’s how it is. Sooner or later it happens to more or less everyone. It’s also a matter of luck and you notice it immediately in qualifying. There are tires that are a little better and others are a little worse. “
Is it that difficult to make tires for MotoGP?
“Yes, of course. In the end, they have to provide good grip and leave very few marks on the ground And in fact, if something does not work, you will notice it at the maximum incline. I have spoken about it many times with Taramasso (Michelin editor manager) and he has stated that they do a lot of tire tests with super precise machines. Once they see something is wrong, they don’t even wear out the tire, but sometimes the numbers they see are good and drivers complain. Today I ran four soft rear tires between morning and afternoon. Three were okay, the fourth wasn’t. It happens. We’re talking a few tenths, but in MotoGP they make a difference. However, I know that Michelin is fully committed. “