Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi had a more difficult Day 1 at the Red Bull Ring, ending track action in P13 on combined times and not feeling well.
That leaves the ‘Doctor’ in the danger zone for having to go through Q1 if the weather worsens once again for FP3, but there were some positive improvements with the bike.
In addition, the number 46 has a good record at the track, and was the only man to challenge the Ducatis in qualifying last year. He’ll want to try and do the same on Saturday – but has some work to do to get back up to the front.
“It wasn’t a very good day, we had some problems and it was a difficult practice.” Said Rossi “Also, when I woke up this morning I didn’t feel very well; I didn’t have energy and I feel like I have the flu, so this morning was difficult.”
“This afternoon, my position was not in the Top 10 which was the target, but we improved the bike and the feeling, but still we are not strong and need to make some other modifications to try and be faster, however we are all close, and tomorrow we have a lot of things to try.”
“At this track, braking is very important but also acceleration, I suffered with this because the wheel span too much and I lost time.” Added the Doctor
“Also, last year in Sector 3 I was strong but this year I am very bad because of the balance of the bike. For tomorrow, we will try something different.”
source: motogp.com
