The rain affected the first day of practice for the San Marino Grand Prix. The drivers only had half an hour to work in the dry, so it was not easy to draw conclusions for the rest of the weekend.
Valentino Rossi started the Grand Prix in Misano with the 18th time in the first practice session, shortened by the rain, and then finished 16th in FP2, played entirely in the wet and which at least allowed some conclusions to be drawn.
“The conditions were very difficult, but the positive thing is that we have been able to test the asphalt in both situations. In the wet, in the afternoon, we were able to work on the set-up, while in the morning we did not understand much because it started to rain at the half an hour. We’ve done very few laps, so we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to do it,” said Valentino at the end of the day.
Speaking of the wet conditions, Fabio Quartararo complained about the M1, especially in the fast sections, but according to Rossi, the problem remains another: “The sensations in the wet were not bad, but we lack a bit of grip in the part rear and we lose acceleration. That’s our biggest problem. I don’t think we were that bad in the fast zone.”
The most significant news of the day was seeing Andrea Dovizioso on the other side of the Petronas Yamaha garage . Although there was an interesting exchange of opinions between Rossi and the Forli rider, they were unable to make a direct comparison as their M1s are different – the former Ducati rider has the 2019 Spec B and the #46 the official 2021 one.
“We spoke after the first and second tests. His comments are interesting and similar to mine, but Dovi has a different bike to mine and his requires a different riding style, especially going into corners. Things have to be done different under braking and corner entry”.
“Anyway, it’s nice to talk to him because he’s experienced and very meticulous with his set-up, and we also agree on a few things. But it was his first taste of a different bike and after a long time without riding in a real session. Anyway, I think you have a pretty clear idea.”
(Before continuing reading, click on the link or on the image to see all the photos of Valentino Rossi at the 2021 MotoGP San Marino GP)
Returning to Misano is always exciting for Il dottore , regardless of the fact that these are his last races in MotoGP. The presence of the public in the stands, moreover, is an extra gift after more than a year behind closed doors.
“I always like to race at Misano because it is a difficult circuit, mentally and psychologically demanding. On a MotoGP bike everything happens very fast, because the track is very narrow, so you don’t have much time to think that it is the last year. “Anyway, it was nice to have the crowd back on track today, even if the weather was bad. Hopefully tomorrow and Sunday will be good, because having the crowd changes everything.”
This Friday it was learned that Yamaha is preparing its landing in Moto2 to reinforce its training program for young riders, and create a platform for riders to gain experience before making the leap to MotoGP. Rossi was asked if he could do it with the support of his structure, given that there is already a collaboration in this regard.
“For two or three years we have had a team in the CEV together with Yamaha linked to the Master Camp to help young Asian riders in their growth. Now I know that Yamaha would like to have one in the World Championship as well. I have talked about it with Jarvis [director of the fingerboard brand], but I don’t know how this project will develop and if it will be together with us,” he added.
