Andrea Iannone snatched the best time of the day from Marc Marquez, but in terms of pace, the Spaniard proved to be uncatchable. Spicing up the six-time world champion’s day was a crash, but with no consequences.
“I did the best lap with the hard tyre, whereas with the medium I ended up in the gravel – Marc remembered with a smile – In any case, we were able to improve the setup of the bike, although I still haven’t found the right confidence. We’ll see the situation tomorrow – he added – I must say that Viñales is not far off, but we’ll continue working.”
The number 93 rider’s attention shifts to the track conditions.
“There are some bumps – he pointed out – Each of us expected it to be less, but instead it seems like it’s the same level as last year. It’s hard to race like this – he said – Because you push less, the limit is much closer and I can’t turn as I’d like to.”
And to think that the riders expected to find a different situation.
“Last year we asked them to reduce some of the dips and they did it – Marc said – The fact is that every year that I come here the track is always smooth and there are dips on the turns.”
The six-time world champion then talks about the inherent tyre choice.
“The hard tyre on the rear is an option for the race, since it is consistent and works well – he pointed out – But I need to try the medium and the soft, although with the latter I felt some vibrations. Maybe it was a tyre that had problems already from the start, whereas I think the medium has less grip.”
The Spaniard then talks about his crash on turn eleven.
“As I said, there are various dips – he reiterated – On that occasion, I braked much earlier than on the previous lap, but I lost the front. This means that you have to be very precise.”
One of the issues of the day was also the Honda’s engine.
“I am trying to improve – Marquez explained – In the previous race, there were not a lot of fast turns, whereas here it is the exact opposite, so it could be a small problem. Right now I still don’t have the confidence that I would like to have – he admitted – But I am convinced that we will take a step forward.”