Valentino Rossi was partially satisfied following today’s two practice sessions at Sachsenring. even if on the timesheets he was just 5th, but the fact he was just 0.365s from Stefan Bradl gave the Italian more hope that he’ll be able to close the gap with a few improvements on his set-up in order to chase another victory.
“I’m quite happy because I’m quite fast, my pace is not so bad and we are not far from the top. But we have to improve,” said Rossi. We have some areas where I’m not so confident. We tried some modifications but I didn’t improve. I’m happy with the setting, but if we want to fight for victory we have to make another step”.
Rossi also said the track was more tricky with the hard tire rear, while the softer compound gave him more trouble with the higher afternoon temperatures.
“It looks like when the track has more temperature it gives us more problems, especially after 10-15 laps. It is difficult for us to use the hard tyre, but with the soft tyre the bike starts to move a lot. Anyway we are not so far away. Five or six riders have good pace so it will be interesting tomorrow.”
Rossi will be the sole rider for the Yamaha factory team for the rest of the weekend. Teammate and reigning champion Jorge Lorenzo re-damaged his freshly plated collarbone after a crash and will be returning to Barcelona to undergo surgery.
“Jorge did something magic at Assen, but to crash again today on the same shoulder is very bad,” said Rossi. “I hope that the metal plate does not have a big problem and that he comes back as soon as possible.”
Rossi also added that in today’s safety commission meeting they would talk about the infamous turn 11, that he deems dangerous when the tires are still cold, he believes that Bridgestone should bring an asymmetric front tire to the circuit.
