Tag: Valentino Rossi

The pre-event Press Conference kicks off the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, with plenty of hotly-tipped competitors

Motegi, 17 Oct 2019: Ahead of track action at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, the pre-event Press Conference gathered together newly-crowned Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and home hero Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) to talk about the weekend ahead, with the pressure off for some and ramping up for others.

Marquez spoke first, and first on the agenda was, of course, the title and his celebrations. “It was a nice celebration in Bangkok with the team we stayed one night and celebrated in the proper way and then when I arrived home I celebrated with my friends and family but of course I didn’t forget to prepare for these three races, I prepared in another way but I feel good, more relaxed but the mentality is the same as Thailand. We’ll try to work hard to win on Sunday and that’s the mentality for the last four races to try and prepare for 2020 in the best way.”

And Motegi? The man sat just to his right could be a key threat…

“With Dovi last year it was a nice fight here, unlucky for him he crashed but he will be fast, and it’s one of the circuits where he rides really well. And for Fabio it’s one of his favourite circuits and he’s showed his level and performance. He’s riding very fast but we won’t forget Viñales and Rins, all of these riders will be really fast.”

Next then, it was time to hear from that very same Dovizioso, who debriefed Thailand first. “We tried during the weekend to improve our speed in the last two sectors but we couldn’t be fast enough. The first two sectors we were a bit faster, our bike accelerated very well, but in the last two sectors we took too much. It’s not just about being slower, I couldn’t stay with them. I made a good start; I was fourth and close to Maverick, so I had a chance, but I didn’t have the possibility to stay with them. Very disappointed but this is the reality, so we have to continue to work and find a way to be more competitive in the middle of the corners because depending on the track and the tyres it’s different.

“Here I expect us to be strong and our bike to work very well, there’s a lot of stop and go, but in some corners where we need more speed we struggle compared to the competitor. The result wasn’t surprising, but the gap was the bad part. We have to focus on being second in the Championship, it’s what we can do. Our competitors are stronger, especially the Yamaha riders. We have to be careful in these four races and we want to start with a good race here.”

Here, meanwhile, just happens to be one of the Italian’s best tracks. What is it about Motegi that makes Dovizioso go so well?

“I think my style from 250cc two-stroke when the chassis was good, my braking was really good and I’ve kept that style with other bikes and it’s my way to approach this track. When I have to do hard braking and stop and go, I’m quite good at that and our bike also suits that style too so that’s why I think we can be strong here.”

Rins was next, and he’s now third overall and looking to consolidate it after some tougher races. “The next races we hope to have a good end of the Championship, as Andrea said, we’re fighting with him, Petrucci, Maverick to be there…but anyway, in Misano and Aragon we struggled a bit, Thailand was more or less good for us, top five, but every time I come here I enjoy it so let’s enjoy Suzuki’s home race!”

There’s also Suzuki test rider Sylvain Guintoli on track this weekend as a wildcard – and he’s done a fair few laps of Motegi. Has Rins seen his data?

“No, I didn’t see his data but I know he was trying something different compared to us, so we’ll have to see if it’s working better.”

Viñales was next to take to the mic, and he’s feeling positive despite the track on paper looking like a tougher one for the Iwata marque. “Well actually the feeling is really good, after Thailand I feel great because I feel very positive on the bike and somehow I can push really hard on the last part of the race. Japan on paper looks very difficult for us but the bike is totally different, my mentality is different, so normally for my riding style this tracks suits really good, I’ve been getting good results here so I think we will have a good race, fight for the podium like we did in Thailand and at the maximum as always.”

So what’s the difference? His Crew Chief this year? “Honestly, the biggest change is that we are both straight talking. We have a lot of confidence, we know what I need on the bike, and that’s the most important. We create a good feeling and a good atmosphere inside the team. Sometimes when I don’t feel ready they make me feel ready, and that’s important, create a team and trust each other.”

Quartararo, meanwhile, is also aiming high at Motegi, and he’s not looking at the track on paper either. “I think this year a lot of the time I’ve heard the Yamahas don’t go well at tracks like Austria but we managed to get on the podium so honestly now I don’t think about Yamaha track or Honda track, I just need to focus on this weekend, it’s a track I love. We need to do our best and like during all races step by step, but we’ll have a look at the forecast because for Saturday it looks bad so we’ll have to learn the track really fast!”

He will, but it’s not proved such a problem so far. It’s proved so little of a problem, in fact, that the Frenchman is knocking on the door to Rookie of the Year – already. Is that something he looks at now he’s also fighting for wins?

“At the beginning of the year the goal as to be Rookie of the Year so we’ll try to achieve that this weekend, but honestly I don’t think about it. We’ll try to make the best result possible, try to be fast and consistent and fight with these guys.”

Finally, it was time to hear from Nakagami. The home hero has already made a few headlines with a contract extension and the news he’s going to miss the last few rounds of the season for shoulder surgery, and it was chance for him to talk everyone through the issue and the better news on the way in to his home Grand Prix.

“On Tuesday afternoon, we announced the positive and negative news. Postive as you know next season I renewed my contract with LCR Honda which is really positive for me and I’m really happy with LCR Honda and HRC. And the negative news is my injury. But I didn’t want to talk about this…until the last moment I didn’t want to talk to anyone but before Aragon I thought it was time to explain it to the team, Lucio and HRC. Since Assen I felt pain in my right shoulder and let’s say race by race I feel I’m losing performance. For me it’s a hard decision, I miss the last three races and of course I wanted to finish the season but now it’s quite impossible, even in the last few races I struggled to finish and depending on the track layout….Aragon it was so bad, I struggled to hold onto the bike, after that I decided, ‘ok it’s time to do surgery’ and of course I’m disappointed to miss Australia, Malaysia and Valencia, but it’s happened and I try to think positive about next season.”

That’s it from the Press Conference, for more on the upcoming Japanese GP head to motogp.com and tune in for another awesome race on Sunday 20th October at 15:00 (GMT +9).

Buriram, 4 Oct 2019: Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was up to his usual timesheet-topping tricks on Day 1 of the PTT Thailand Grand Prix, leading a Yamaha 1-2-3 but nearly two tenths clear at the top. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was second overall after topping FP1, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the top three. But Yamaha’s pace – Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) made it all Iwata machines in the top five on Friday – wasn’t the only headline at Buriram, with reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) taking a huge tumble in FP1.

Initially, the number 93 seemed to hold all the cards as action opened in the stifling heat, but towards the end of FP1 the Spaniard had only recently exited pitlane when he suffered a huge crash at Turn 7. From there Marquez headed to the circuit Medical Centre for a first check up before he was taken to Buriram hospital for further examination. Ultimately, the reigning Champion was declared fit and suffered no fractures – even heading back out in the afternoon. He wasn’t quite able to get into the top five, however, ending the day just behind Rossi, in P6.

There was one man who managed to fight off the Yamaha lockout in the top five though: Jack Miller (Pramac Racing). Fresh from the podium at Aragon, the Australian put in another impressive performance to end the first day in fourth, just pipping Rossi by 0.035. Miller was also within three tenths of Quartararo, no mean feat when the Frenchman’s advantage over second is already 0.193, and he makes it an impressive three Independent Team riders in the top four.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini), meanwhile, also shone on Day 1. The Spaniard kept the momentum from his impressive performance at MotorLand to go seventh quickest on Friday and was only a tenth off Rossi – that at a venue he said in the Press Conference would be tougher going. It was tight in the fight for P7, however, with Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) losing out by just 0.020 as he was shuffled down to eighth.

Team Suzuki Ecstar completed the top ten, with rookie Joan Mir impressing to get the better of his more veteran teammate Alex Rins in Thailand so far – although just 0.008 was the final gap between the two Hamamatsu factory machines. Will Rins turn the tables on Saturday?

That leaves Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team), currently only a point behind Rins in the standings, outside the top ten after the opening day, which could be a worry for the Italian come qualifying. The weather has so far played ball, but the forecast remains far from guaranteed and if rain comes down in FP3, the Mugello winner will definitely be heading through Q1. And he could be joined by Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) after the Brit was 13th fastest on Friday.

Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), meanwhile, took P15 as he returns – and continues to impress – just a couple of weeks after fracturing his wrist.

What will Saturday bring? Rain? Shine? Shocks? Comebacks? Find out who’s heading through to Q2 at 9:55 local time (GMT+7) as FP3 begins, before qualifying from 14:10 for the spectacular PTT Thailand Grand Prix.

MotoGP Friday Practice:

1 – Fabio Quartararo* (FRA – Yamaha) 1’30.404
2 – Maverick Viñales (SPA – Yamaha) +0.193
3 – Franco Morbidelli* (ITA – Yamaha) +0.221
4 – Jack Miller* (AUS – Ducati) +0.294
5 – Valentino Rossi (ITA – Yamaha) +0.329

*Independent Team rider

Buriram, 3 Oct 2019: Ahead of track action at the first of the four upcoming flyaways, the pre-event Press Conference for the PTT Thailand Grand Prix saw reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by his only remaining title challenger, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), as well as Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) to talk shop – with the weather forecast, the Championship and plenty more on the agenda.

Marquez spoke first, and the first question was – of course – about his title chances this weekend.

“First of all you try to approach the weekend in the normal way, but you understand it could be a big weekend. But on the other hand we know if it’s not possible here, we’ll have another chance in Motegi, Phillip Island, Malaysia, Valencia… I’ll be the same Marc with same strategy to push from beginning to end, to prepare for Sunday’s race, let’s see. We know that Dovi was very fast here last year and Yamaha wasn’t bad, but the goal is to prepare the weekend well and try to fight for the victory on Sunday.”

And Buriram? “It’s a circuit where the layout looks easy on paper but riding it isn’t so easy and you need to manage everything. Last year from the beginning it was a good layout for me but I was losing on the straights, and this year there we have a more powerful engine so it will be better. But we could struggle in other points so let’s see how we start, with good pace and in good shape, and we also must be ready for all conditions because it looks like it could be a wet race on Sunday.”

Dovizioso took to the mic next, and he began with a quick debrief of MotorLand. “The race in Aragon was good because I felt good before the race, but not that good! I found the rhythm and feeling in the race, lap by lap, and I was riding so smooth and well, and was able to be consistent over the last laps which made the difference for finishing second, so I’m happy about it.”

Then it was on to the 2018 Thai GP…the only time so far the Italian has lost out to Marquez in a last corner duel. But he’s more focused on the dynamics of the race, and how they may differ this season.

“Last year at Buriram it was a strange race and we were a big group, anything could happen with five riders on the last three laps, but I expect this year it will be a different situation. I think everyone’s level changed a bit but let’s see the conditions. You never know each year, and the tyres are a bit different, maybe there will be some rain…but I don’t think it’s good to overthink it, we’ll see on the bike.

“Every time you have to try to understand everything and remember everything from last year, the setup of the power, how the tyre works…but as I said before, the tyres are a bit different, the conditions will be different and that will affect everyone, but for sure you start with the base from last year.”

Then it was time to hear from Rossi. ‘The Doctor’ again began with Aragon, a tougher race than expected, and then talked a little about his positive Thai GP last season.

“I think that the bigger problem for Yamaha in Aragon, because in practice and time attack we weren’t too bad, but unfortunately for the race with our bike we needed to use the hard rear because we were worried about the soft. And unfortunately, the hard rear in Aragon is difficult to predict and unfortunately in the race all Yamahas had some problem with it. But for me it was difficult because after six or seven laps I was in trouble and quite slow, so we’ll try here.

“Last year here was a good weekend, especially Saturday and Sunday, starting from the front row, and the race was very good for us because me and Maverick could stay very close to Marc and Dovi for the race. Unfortunately, at the end I was the last of the group and didn’t get on the podium! But it was a positive weekend.”

It was around Thailand last year when things started to look up for the Iwata marque, too. Does that give the nine-time World Champion even more confidence heading into the flyaways?

“Last year we arrived here and we changed something in the setting of the bike and from this race to the end it was better; we improved our results, so we’ll see this year…a lot of time it’s the same, other times you arrive after a year and everything is different so we need to wait till tomorrow and see what’s happening. And it looks like the forecast is difficult, whereas last year it was three days of hot and sunny weather. Everyone is hoping for a dry race but we’ll see.”

For Quartararo, Aragon was also a little tougher. The French rookie says he had a similar struggle to that of ‘The Doctor’.

“Aragon was different to Misano and I had the same feeling as Valentino, I struggled after seven or eight laps, the grip dropped a lot and I couldn’t stay with the front group. But arriving here I think we arrive quite good, the Yamaha went well here last year fighting for the podium, so I’m really looking forward to starting the weekend.”

This weekend, of course, the rookie is only missing one race weekend of experience on most of the grid – because we’ve only had one Thai GP. But does he use previous races and sessions for reference? You bet.

“Between Aragon and now, I’ve watched last year’s race and practices at least 20 times and played on the game, I know the tracks well even if not racing in MotoGP the previous year! But it’s not an easy track and we’ll try and adapt quickly because we know the forecast will be tricky this weekend.”

Next up was Miller, who trails Quartararo by just six points in the fight for top Independent Team rider. And for him, Aragon was a contender for his best MotoGP™ race of the season – he explained why.

“I’m feeling good leading into this one, especially after Aragon, it was a polar opposite to Misano so was good to bounce back after tough weekend and take a podium was even more special. I got a lot of compliments after that race, even more than other podiums this season. I had to work for it a bit more and I had to ride a bit smarter; when Dovi came through I was able to learn from him a bit.”

So how is he feeling heading into Buriram?

“I think we can have a similar weekend this weekend. Seeing the race from last year, I was just off that front group. I wasn’t able to keep their pace but coming here on the GP19 this year should give us an extra boost, especially on the straights. I am looking forward to it, it should be a good weekend. It is hot, humid and I just came from Australia and it is similar there, so it should be good.”

Speaking of Down Under, how was it to be able to head home for a bit ahead of the race? A definite and appreciated luxury.

“It’s always nice to get home and switch off a bit. The lifestyle is completely different to Europe, it’s nice to get back on the farm and chill out a bit. Same routine and cycling as always, but during the day I get to play on the farm!”

Finally, Aleix Espargaro was in the Press Conference following his impressive result in Aragon, and he’s feeling positive about the future and coming off the back of the result – although he says Buriram will be a tougher prospect.

“Unfortunately not every race is as fun as Aragon was. I think Aragon suits our bike really well and apart from the race I also enjoyed it a lot during the weekend, I was also fast in qualifying, so it was a good race and I hope that we can bring this positive energy here. We know it’s not an easy track for us, but I try to be positive, I’m going to try to do my best, so let’s see what this track brings.”

Talk also turned to the future for Noale factory Aprilia, and there was more positive energy there too.

“The more bikes and competitive riders you have on the track, the easier it gets. At Aprilia we have just two factory bikes on the track every race, so it’s not that easy to improve. Sometimes you need more time and if your teammate struggles, it’s even more difficult, so Andrea is getting better and better and I hope we’ll be much more competitive in the future and we can help Aprilia to better improve the bike.”

That’s about it from Thursday…scroll down, or for more talk and the Social Media Qs, head to motogp.com. And don’t forget to tune in for another scintillating PTT Thailand Grand Prix on Sunday 6th October at 14:00 (GMT +7)!

High-speed chess in Q2 sees the reigning Champion emerge ahead in the final dash for the line

Silverstone, 24 August 2019: Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez took pole number 60 of his career to steal P1 in a Q2 Silverstone stunner, with everything going down to the wire and a three-man freight train of Marquez, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) fighting it out in the final seconds of the session.

Over the line it was Marquez who took the upper hand, with Rossi set to start P2 after taking his first front row since Austin and Miller alongside the two men on the front row in third. Turn 1 is going to be a stunner.

It was Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) who made it through from Q1 after finding themselves outside the top ten on Saturday morning, with the number 04 ultimately topping the session by 0.246 to set himself up for an assault on Q2. That Q2 didn’t disappoint, with the grid in the air until the final few seconds.After the first run it was Free Practice pacesetter Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) who was on provisional pole, but the Frenchman came under threat once the final assault began.

Rossi needed a lap time after having his maiden lap cancelled for track limits and ‘The Doctor’, Marquez and Miller came out of pitlane at the same time as a cat and mouse game proceeded on the out-lap, with no one wanting to lead. After they’d almost ground to a halt on the Wellington Straight, it had to be go-time and needing a lap time the most, Rossi had to bolt. The ones that want to get freight services can visit MyUSAddress`s official website for help.

Marquez and Miller slotted into the tow, and all three were up in the first sector. And the second…and then the third – but Marquez was the man with the biggest margin, the reigning Champion a few tenths under Quartararo’s time by the final sector.As the three barrelled round the final corner, Rossi was first over the line to take over at the top, before being deposed by Marquez just behind him. A split second later Miller stole third, leaving Quartararo relegated to fourth and a Marquez-Rossi-Miller front row.As it transpired, an alarm on the dash had caused the Frenchman to switch to his number two bike and there wasn’t time to change the front tyre.

So Q2 may have been out of reach, but El Diablo’s FP4 pace says he’ll be guns blazing on Sunday afternoon… Alongside Quartararo on the second row is Rins after a solid session despite the Suzuki rider’s journey through Q1, with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) slotting into sixth after he’s shown good speed all weekend at the track that saw him take his first premier class win. Dovizioso, who topped Q1, will line up seventh and will be gunning for another characteristic stunner of a start, although the Italian’s fastest laptime was identical to that of Viñales.

Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was eighth fastest and starts just ahead of Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) after the home hero suffered a crash in Q2, with his teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) completing the top ten.Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) had a tough day at the track where he took his first podium and was P11, ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and the Red Bull KTM Factory racing duo of Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco.

Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira was only just off the factory duo in P15.A Q2 treat sees Marquez vs Rossi take centre stage, but there’s plenty of challengers waiting in the wings. The man who set the pace all weekend is certainly one of them, but a good eight riders will fancy their chances of a win or assault on the podium, so it looks like we’re set up for another Silverstone stunner.

Tune in for the race LIVE at 13:00 local time (GMT+1) on Sunday afternoon​.

Qualifying results: 1 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) 1’58.168
2 – Valentino Rossi (ITA – Yamaha) +0.428
3 – Jack Miller* (AUS – Ducati) +0.434

*Independent Team rider

The pre-event Press Conference and the Day of Champions kick off the GoPro British Grand Prix

Silverstone, 22 August 2019: Before go-time for the GoPro British Grand Prix, we had a full house of seven riders in the pre-event Press Conference, with reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) and the returning Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team). The new surface, the competitive field and what to expect in the weekend ahead meant there was plenty to talk about.

Marquez spoke first. “Yeah, of course, looking forward to the Silverstone GP and this weekend because as you know I have some good luck, and I was unlucky some years. Anyway, we’ve had great races, it’s a circuit I like, one of our weak points on this race track was the bumps but looks like they’ve resurfaced in a good way, it looks nice from a bicycle! But tomorrow we will check on the bike and yeah apart from that try to concentrate, stay focused and try to fight on Sunday for the best position.”

And is the number 93 expecting tough competition? Most definitely. “Especially here, we saw last year in practice Viñales was fast, all the Yamaha riders were fast, but we weren’t far away. I think this year with the new surface it will be different, we need to understand the tyres, the grip, the level of our bike…we have a better engine this year and here it will be a small help. Of course, Dovi will be there, he’s second in the Championship and will try to push, but our target is to finish on the podium and get points for the championship. The forecast looks nice so we’ll keep going!”

Dovizioso was next on the mic, with the Italian actually the most recent winner at Silverstone given his victory in 2017. And he’s the most recent winner overall after that stunner in Spielberg.

“Yes for sure the last race was amazing, a really nice battle from the first lap to the end with Marc, so we are so happy about that, we needed that victory. I’m happy to be here, I think it’s one of the best races in the Championship, the track is really nice. Hopefully, without bumps, it will be even nicer so I’m excited to try the new asphalt.”

So is it the British weather that Dovizioso has had on his side in the UK? His first premier class win came at Donington and since he’s had a fair few successes…

“I don’t like the weather so much! But I have always had good luck in this country, I’ve been pretty fast in England most of the time, I don’t know why. Donington was a special track and a special first victory but in Silverstone I’ve always felt good, it’s a really difficult track but I enjoy riding here.”

Rossi is another of the long list of previous winners at Silverstone. Incidentally, he also took his first premier class win in the UK at Donington as well, and after a tougher run of things in 2019, the ‘Doctor’ seems to be back on track.

“Yeah for us in the last two races from Brno we start in a better way. After we did another step, we worked well and we were quite competitive in the race. Considering Austria on paper is one of the worst tracks for us, it was quite good. We arrive here, hope to continue in that way because anyway Austria was not so bad, but I wasn’t fast enough to find the podium so we need to continue to work. Silverstone is a fantastic track. It’s a great track, it’s a big track, everything is very fast and technical. Everybody is waiting for the asphalt tomorrow. If they’ve done a good job with fewer bumps and good grip, it will be very fun to ride here. And also we wait for the weather because in 2017 it was a fantastic weekend, a great weekend. Last year, unfortunately, it was a lot more difficult. We hope it’s similar to 2017!

“In the past, I had good races and arrived on the podium, so this is the target. About the top speed we know we’re not fantastic but on paper, in Austria, it’s more important than here. The important thing is to find a good feeling with the bike, a good balance, and be ready for Sunday.”

Rookie Fabio Quartararo, meanwhile, also showed there’s more to Austria than just being the fastest in a straight line. After his podium there, the vibes are good on the way into Silverstone.

“I’m really happy about arriving here at a track that I really like. As Valentino said, I think everybody is waiting for the new tarmac, I think it should be a good track for us. Suits us better than Austria so I can’t wait for tomorrow.

“The goal is to be top Rookie, we’re leading but the Championship isn’t over. Now we’re improving every race, we’re learning, so that’s still the main goal for this year. But in Austria the goal was to be in front but we didn’t expect to be on the podium, so if we have the opportunity to be on the podium we’ll fight for it.”

Quartararo is top rookie and he’s also leading the Independent Team rider standings at the moment, ahead of the next man to talk: Jack Miller. The Australian spoke about the weekend ahead, and how it feels to arrive with a new contract in his pocket.

“I’m definitely coming into this weekend with a different mindset that’s for sure. This Thursday has been easier, let’s just say that. It’s been nice you know, the Day of Champions has been really nice to see all the fans but no it’s good to be back, like you say I had a chance to make it back to back podiums last weekend, I had really strong pace all weekend but threw it away a bit too early. Had a good feeling this weekend last year, hopefully, this year is a lot better and as the boys said the asphalt should be amazing, we’ve heard some decent reviews about the asphalt so I’m looking forward to getting out there tomorrow and I think it’s shaping up to be a great weekend.”

It has sometimes been a more difficult track for the Australian, however, including a high-profile crash with then-teammate Cal Crutchlow a few years ago. But this year Miller is positive ahead of the weekend.

“As long as I don’t have any British road blocks in my way I should be alright! It’s not the best track for me to be honest, I always hated it until last year, with the new asphalt it was like a different track and I loved it. And I’m looking forward to it now with the reviews it’s had, I can’t wait to get out there. Should be a good weekend.”

Home hero Crutchlow was the next man on the mic, and the weekend is a fitting landmark: it’ll be his 150th Grand Prix start on Sunday.

“I only got told at the last race that it would be my 150th Grand Prix start – I didn’t think I’d done 150 Grands Prix and I definitely haven’t finished 150! I’m looking forward to it, Silverstone is a good race for me, I’ll give my all for the 20-lap race.”

Crutchlow was also asked about the visit he paid to Chelsea F.C. on Wednesday and dabbled a bit in the beautiful game before.

“It was was good! I’ve been to a few football stadiums in my time so to go back when I wasn’t playing or watching a game…it was nice to go round Stamford Bridge and get taken around by Kepa…he’s a big MotoGP fan, obviously, he supports the Spaniards but it was a really good day.”

Finally, it was time to welcome back Jorge Lorenzo. After a long period of recovery after his crash in which he cracked vertebrae and got sidelined, he’s ready to race.

“I’m happy to be back. Finally, after a long time. A very long time, no? I’ve never spent so long out of racing competition for about the 17 years I’ve been here. I’m back. What was very difficult at the beginning, the first two weeks were very difficult, I wasn’t recovering fast, it was slow. Luckily after three weeks, the recovery has been faster, I have been able to do some physical training again. With some pain after the work during the night, every time the pain was less and less. I think this is the right moment to come back to the bike because you can lose a lot of speed, a lot of pace if you stay so much time out of the competition.

“Honestly with my injury theoretically you need three months to recover completely, I’m about two months on now from the crash and obviously I still have some pain, but I feel ready to ride again and to try. I’m not here to fight for the win or podium or top five, but as soon as I go on the bike I want to start getting the pace I need to get good performances again like I started to show before the crash.”

That he did, and it’s a good venue for the number 99 to return to. He’s got three wins at Silverstone and was on pole last season, and although it’s about getting back up to speed, the venue is certainly one the five-time World Champion knows his way around.

Lorenzo rejoins the field on track from Friday morning, with the race on Sunday at 13:00 (IST 5.30pm)