MotoGP – Rossi: "I'm going more or less the same, but the rest faster"

June 5, 2021

The Italian entered the second qualifying round ( Q2 ) for the third time this year, before crashing in the final qualifying round after the first fast lap attempt, which placed him eleventh.

In another era, eleventh place would be a poor starting position for Il Dottore , who, however, given the difficulties he is going through – he is 19th in the points table, with a tenth place as the best result –, he was satisfied. Above all, for the step forward in terms of set-up that he highlighted during the morning session, at one of his favorite circuits, where he has won seven times since competing in MotoGP.

“Today I was much better. We modified the bike and now I can turn more easily. Both in the third free trial and in the fourth, I felt very good. In fact, I think I have a little more potential than eleventh place”, Rossi summed up.

“I like the circuit, but we have also improved the set-up. These are the typical things that happen to everyone, but when they happen to me, well, I’m supposed to be too old and I have to retire”, ironically the Sepang Racing Team (SRT) rider.

Despite the lack of results, the one from Tavullia feels very supported by the members who work on his side of the workshop, as well as by the entire Petronas team.

“I am very happy with the team’s work environment. All its members understand that the challenge is very great. And everyone is sad to see that things do not work out. Getting into Q2 at the moment is a good result. I don’t think we feel the pressure”, answered the #46 when asked about the signs of jubilation that were seen in his garage, after having gotten directly into Q2.

On this same track, in 2020, Rossi crashed when second place was within reach, a result that, at the moment, with the level of competition in the heavy bike category, he considers unattainable.

“Last year it was going very well, but more or less like this year. The problem is that, now, everyone else is going faster. It will be difficult to be in the same position as last year”, the multi-champion clinched.