A 13th place today is not a result with which Valentino Rossi can be dissatisfied after a first half of the season in which he had to accept even more disappointments. Not that the doctor is overjoyed about it, but maybe from now on he has found something to build on, especially with a view to the second GP at the Red Bull Ring.
“Ultimately, this race was not a disaster – he commented – I got some points and made it to the finish line. Unfortunately, I lost a few positions on the first laps, then I had good pace and was able to drive properly. I also had some good fights with the drivers I expected who were at a similar pace as me. We also have to think that this is not the best track for Yamaha, we need top speed and acceleration that we lack.
Why these difficulties at the start of the race?
“We have the device from the Sachsenring that lowers the front at the start, but to use it you need a different setting for the electronics and I don’t feel comfortable with that yet. I always lose positions; We improved a bit this weekend, but not enough. The other problem is that at the beginning of the race everyone is very aggressive and since the Yamaha is not very fast on the straight it is easy to lose positions in a group on the straight. “
We’ll be back in a few days, what do you expect?
“As I said, today was not a disaster, I can’t say I’m happy, but over the weekend we did a better job of solving the problems that have plagued us since the start of the season. We solved something and I can be faster next weekend. This is a difficult track for Yamaha My goal is to get a better start and earn points. I would say being in the top 10 is more or less my potential realistically.
But we’re back on the Red Bull Ring, which still had some safety flaws today.
“The accident between Pedrosa and Savadori could have happened on any other route. The problem is that there are 3 or 4 wild braking sections on this route and it becomes dangerous there, also because the brakes are heavily used. Certainly the worst part is turn 3, but what can we do? Back to the old layout? It would be nice, but even more dangerous, because there would be no run-off zones “.
Were there any problems with the brakes at the GP?
“I had it yesterday, I was really at the limit with the temperature of the front system. The Brembo technicians helped me, we changed the setup to help the brakes and today I had no problems”.
What was it like to race with Pedrosa?
“He made a great comeback. I was hoping to stay with him, but he was faster than me. He was very good; It’s not that obvious that after three years without a family doctor, you’re quick.
What can you say about Bezzecchi’s victory?
“He needed it and he had a great race; I think it will give him a boost for the rest of the season. Above all, I’m satisfied with the work of the team. Vietti also had a great race and was ahead of Raul Fernandez. I hope that from now on the results of both can improve and I congratulate everyone ”.