Rossi: Ducati looking stronger in Qatar
Valentino Rossi says he is feeling more optimistic about Ducati's chances after the first day of testing in Qatar, despite only being eighth on the timesheets
The former world champion had a minor crash early yesterday and was 0.7 seconds behind pacesetter Dani Pedrosa, as Honda continued to lead the way.
But Rossi insisted that Ducati was in better shape at Losail than it had been in the previous tests in Malaysia.
"It's not so bad because I have quite a good feeling with the bike and the bike is better at this track," he said in an interview with the official MotoGP website.
"I can ride in a better way. We have quite good pace, we are not so far [off].
"We are just in eighth position so for sure we have to improve the maximum performance. But we have some ideas, some modifications to try tomorrow."
He admitted that Monday's test would be critical, with the season getting underway with the Qatar Grand Prix at the end of this week. But he remained optimistic that there was now little to choose between Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.
"For sure tomorrow will be an important day because the race is just next week," Rossi said.
"We have to try to do better. But I'm happier than in Sepang because we are just seven tenths behind. Everybody is very close."
Share Or Save This Story
Hamilton accepts blame for incident with Albon in F1 Brazilian GP
Ferrari drivers called to F1 stewards over Brazilian GP collision
Will Alonso's Indy failure end the age of versatility?
Rossi faces key decision: Who will replace di Giannantonio at VR46?
Why Rossi is putting pressure on Ducati over its 2027 MotoGP rider line-up
Why Rossi's serious approach to car racing in 2024 may create a dilemma
MotoGP’s own ‘Concorde Agreement’ is finally official
Hamilton, Toyota, Marquez: Three motorsport giants still writing history
Why Marquez insists he is “not ready” for MotoGP title fight despite dominant Hungary win
MotoGP points leader Bezzecchi banned from Czech GP for hitting marshal in sprint
DTM Lausitzring 1: Mapelli takes fortunate maiden win for Lamborghini Temerario GT3
The flaw Cadillac must fix to reach F1's midfield
MotoGP Czech GP: Bagnaia wins sprint as Bezzecchi crashes out
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments