Rossi expected second position
Valentino Rossi said that he is exactly where he and the Yamaha team expected to be after qualifying second on the grid for the Qatar Grand Prix
The defending world champion, who is aiming for a record-equalling seventh premier class title this year, was marginally under half a second slower in qualifying than polesitter Casey Stoner.
"Second is exactly what we expected, so we have reached our objective," Rossi told Italia1 TV. "We are very close to Stoner, but a bit slower in some spots, so we have to understand how to fix that, tonight, or tomorrow.
"Starting second is fundamentally important, because the tests we had here were pretty bad, and we have made a big improvement on that this weekend, and even an improvement from this afternoon to tonight, so I'm quite happy with that."
Rossi said that the new-for-2009 reduced qualifying length of 45 minutes was challenging, but probably played into the hands of his Yamaha team.
"In my opinion the new qualifying is not bad," the 71-times race-winner added. "The 45-minute session is tough because you need to do things quickly, but we can manage to go very quick, so it's okay."
Share Or Save This Story
Alex Zanardi open to Daytona 24 Hours or Indianapolis 500 bid
Giacomo Agostini says Rossi and Lorenzo will renew hostilities
Working Men: Interview with Ferrari's Test Drivers
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
Hamilton claims Dutch GP radio outbursts weren't "the best version of me"
WRC seeking Chinese manufacturer with plan of "six constructors by 2029"
McLaren appealing Monaco GP result "with a double intent"
The questions surrounding Plato Racing/CPRL after administration
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