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After finishing 15th in Australia, it wasn't difficult for Valentino to improve on that qualifying performance today, but second place at Sepang is a big step forward. “It's a shame the race is tomorrow”, smiles Rossi. The front row is always a good starting point, but what's even more important is pace in both the wet and the dry.
“Yes it's been a good day in that sense - says the Doctor - If you ask me what I want tomorrow, I'd say a dry race because I think we'd see a good fight”.
Will you be a close group?
“This morning, the top four were all within about a tenth. Dovizioso was a little slower but starting from pole he could be with us too”.
What would the worst situation be?
“A flag-to-flag, I hope the race, whether wet or dry, finishes as it starts. In mixed conditions, anything can happen”.
Qualifying went well…
“Usually you go out and give 100%, then you change tyre and try to give 110%, but with only 15 minutes available, it's not easy to find the limit in the wet. We decided not to stop and it was the right tactic”.
Does your dirt track training help in the wet?
“The Michelins move around and so it helps me a little. But, to tell the truth, in FP4 I was fast even with two different bike settings, for qualifying we made the necessary changes”.
You've won at Sepang in the past, is that the goal tomorrow?
“It's true I've always been strong, but I haven't won since 2010, a lot of time has passed. In recent years, both Lorenzo and Marquez have been very fast and now we have Vinales too. Anyway, I think I can fight with them”.
In a hypothetical battle at the last corner, what impact will the modifications to that section make?
“In the dry, no real difference, but in the wet it's more complicated to control acceleration. Passing there is a little more difficult, but not a lot”.
Morbidelli will also start from second place. Are you pleased?
“Pleased but also proud of Franco, he's taken a big step forward this season. He had a difficult season last year, having broken his leg during training, he still needs a race win but came close in Australia. The important thing is that he's consistent and has improved in qualifying too”.
