MotoGP Track Report Round 5

[totalmotorcycle]

#MotoGP Track Report Round 5


Round 5 Dani added good championship points, Marc learned good lesson



The Repsol Honda Team has experienced mixed emotions at Mugello. Another podium for Dani, who extended his lead in the World Championship and the first DNF for Marc. What’s your assessment of the Grand Prix of Italy?

Mugello has not been an easy weekend for us but we must be happy with Dani’s result, and the fact that Marc has escaped without any complications after a very dangerous crash. Both riders and our machine proved to be competitive, even if Jorge was unbeatable this Sunday.

Marc was lucky to escape serious injury after crashing on Friday. Did you ever doubt he would be able to race on Sunday?

Watching the crash on TV was dramatic. Marc was lucky to get away with only a small fracture. We need to thank Alpinestars as their airbag worked very well. Saturday morning Marc was able to ride and he did a great job in qualifying, so we were confident he would start the race. Anyway, Mugello is a very difficult circuit to learn and also very physically demanding, so it was not easy for him.

Dani had a fantastic qualifying session taking pole position in his last flying lap, but he struggled to keep the pace in the race. What was the problem?

When the tyres lost initial grip, Dani was not able to keep Jorge’s pace. We could not find the best set-up for Sunday, probably because the free practice sessions were cooler than race day. Anyway, we must be positive: If Dani is second on a bad day, we can be optimistic!

Marc crashed out with three laps to go from second position after the great effort he made to stay at the front with Lorenzo and Pedrosa. How is he feeling physically?

Marc’s race was unbelievable until the crash. I didn’t expect to see him so fast for so many laps. His shoulder and leg must have been painful, and he had difficulties in the right-hand corners, but he did a great job. The crash is part of his learning curve. It is the first mistake he’s made in 5 races and it is totally understandable.

The race had the same leaders again: Jorge, Dani and Marc. It looks like it will be very difficult for any other rider to fight for the victory this season…

I’m certain Dani, Marc and Jorge are the fastest guys out there now. This isn’t unexpected from Dani and Jorge, but Marc is impressive, as it’s only his first season and he has already found the speed of the top guns! Valentino would have been able to have a good race here in Mugello, like he did in Qatar, but unfortunately he crashed out with Alvaro in the first lap. Cal is also doing a good job so far, and his speed is very close to the one of the three top guys… I think during the season we will see some interesting races!

What are your expectations for the Grand Prix of Catalunya in two weeks time?

First of all, let’s hope that the weather in Europe will finally get better! So far Spring is not so nice for us! Barcelona will be an important race as it is the home GP for both Dani and Marc, giving them extra motivation. Usually there are exciting races in Montmelò, and we will do our best to make it unforgettable for all of our fans!