MotoGP Portugal, Rossi confident: “It will be easier in Europe”

Having suffered more than expected during the first two races of the season in Qatar, Valentino Rossi and the Petronas team now need to start over at the first European round, taking place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão.

Number 46 is keen to ride in Portugal: “It’s always nice when we return to race in Europe, because its all a little easier. Portimão is a great track, very difficult but wonderful, unique and with many changes in gradient which make it a lot of fun”.

“The start of the season has been hard and we weren’t where we thought we’d be, so we need to work hard this weekend to be more competitive. Honestly, I don’t know what the problem has been, but I don’t think it has to do with my riding style, because all the Yamaha riders ride in a different way and Franco had various problems too”, explains the Italian.

“Márquez will be competitive right away”

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As for the race, Valentino thinks local rider Miguel Oliveira is the favourite: “Last year he was so strong with the KTM. He dominated the race and I think he can be very fast again this time, but Miller and Morbidelli will also be dangerous and shouldn’t be underestimated”.

Re Marc Márquez’s return, Rossi has clear ideas: “Márquez will probably be competitive right away. I expect a lot from him, because I see he’s in great shape, and even if we don’t know about his physical endurance, I think he can be quick right from Friday”.

“I think Francesca is right”

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He finishes by touching on girlfriend Francesca Sofia Novello’s comments about the motorcycle racing atmosphere: “I liked her interview, because she was very direct, and I think she’s right. She spoke about the paddock, but I think we could say similar things about many places, trade fairs for example, not only in the world of motorcycling, but in all places of this kind. To do a job like grid girl, a girl needs to be strong”.

Translated by Heather Watson

Portugal GP, manufacturer stats