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MotoGP riders revved up for San Marino Grand Prix

Marquez was first to talk, with that incredible British GP first on the agenda before talk turned to the recent Misano test.

MotoGP riders

Bengaluru, September 13: Ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix, it was time to talk shop in the pre-event press conference, with reigning champion and FIM MotoGP World Championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by his closest challenger, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), as well as Silverstone winner Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), UK podium finisher Maverick Vinales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and hometown hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).

The final race in Europe before MotoGP packs up and heads for Asia will see the premier class race begin an hour earlier than usual, with lights out at 1pm local time (4.30pm IST).

Marquez was first to talk, with that incredible British GP first on the agenda before talk turned to the recent Misano test.

"Yeah of course it was not the best last corner for us, but anyway I'm happy because Silverstone was one of the circuits we struggled at a lot last year and this year we were there. The Misano test was quite interesting, we will check this weekend.

Race pace was not so fast compared to last year but we were competitive, especially Yamaha riders were very fast, Dovi was not 100% fit but he will be fast, and he's the winner from last year. Apart from that we have a good advantage in the championship, we need to be calm, try to finish races and see what happens in the future," Marquez said.

Difficult race

Difficult race

"The key is it's difficult to be consistent every lap. Two or three hard brake points it's hard to be consistent, also sector 3 with all the fast corners...to be consistent there all the race is difficult.

It's a race track that I like, we'll start in a good way, we've new things from the test we need to check. Anyway in our box we don't need to be crazy. Find the best of what we have and take points every weekend, that's what's important," the Spaniard added.

Doing his best

Doing his best

Rossi, meanwhile, will be doing his best to take back fifth in the title fight from Vinales, with the two having been locked close together for a good few races.

But first, the nine-time world champion talked about the pre-event that saw him take to the streets of his hometown of Tavullia on the Yamaha M1.

Great moment

Great moment

"It was a great moment because it was a dream I had when I was a child. We know very well that road because we always go up and down with our scooter, the road is fun with a lot of corners.

"So I said ‘one time it will be good to try my M1 in Tavullia'. It was like this and it was fun. I have a good feeling and on the road, I expected it to be more difficult, but the bike was ok!," the Italian said.

Parade lap

Parade lap

High above the San Marino Grand Prix, crowds got treated to a taste of Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE, with riders firing up for a parade lap through the historic centre of the city and republic.

Breathtaking views from the top of the mountainous republic made for an aptly-named serene scene, although there was a little time left for a couple of burnouts too...

(By a special arrangement with Dorna Sports)

Story first published: Friday, September 13, 2019, 11:06 [IST]
Other articles published on Sep 13, 2019