Breaking news
MotoGP Dutch TT
Rossi says Barcelona changes key to qualifying breakthrough
Valentino Rossi says that set-up changes made during the previous MotoGP round at Barcelona have proven instrumental in his return to qualifying form at Assen.
Jamie Klein
Edited: Jun 26, 2015, 6:31 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The Yamaha rider clinched a sensational pole position for the Dutch TT, his first since last year’s Valencia finale and his front row start of a season in which he has struggled for one-lap pace.
Explaining the reasons for his turnaround, Rossi credited set-up changes made to the bike two weeks ago in Catalunya, as well as the introduction of a new frame by Yamaha in private testing at Aragon.
"At Barcelona, for me something changed – we made a step," revealed the 36-year-old in the post-qualifying press conference.
"From Saturday [at the previous race], we decided to modify the balance of the bike quite a lot, and straight away I felt a lot better and I had better pace.
"And in testing at Aragon we continue with good speed, and we try the new chassis from Yamaha, which is very good for me.
"So from yesterday I was already competitive, my speed was already good, and you can work in a better way and arrive in qualifying faster and stronger.
"My target was the first row, but for sure the pole position is a special thing."
Lorenzo can still be a factor
Rossi also believes that Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo – who starts down in eighth place for Saturday’s race – is likely to be a factor at the front of the field despite his subdued qualifying pace.
"Starting from behind is always difficult. You have to be strong from the first corner, but also you have to be lucky," said the Italian.
"Tomorrow Jorge will do a very good race, because he’s so competitive. At the end of practice he did a very good pace with a used tyre, so he can fight to win the race.
"And if we look at what Marc [Marquez] did at Mugello, he started from the fifth row and after three corners he was second or third."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Assen MotoGP: Rossi takes stunning pole, Lorenzo down in eighth
Next article Front row start for Marquez with Pedrosa 4th in closely contested qualifying
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jamie Klein
Super Formula Fuji: Ayumu Iwasa wins as Kakunoshin Ohta misses chance to seal title
Super Formula
Super Formula
Fuji II
Super Formula Fuji: Ayumu Iwasa wins as Kakunoshin Ohta misses chance to seal title
Super Formula Fuji: Igor Fraga wins while Kakunoshin Ohta closes on title
Super Formula
Super Formula
Fuji II
Super Formula Fuji: Igor Fraga wins while Kakunoshin Ohta closes on title
More from
Valentino Rossi
The closest finish in MotoGP history: Toni Elias over Valentino Rossi 20 years ago
MotoGP
MotoGP
Portuguese GP
The closest finish in MotoGP history: Toni Elias over Valentino Rossi 20 years ago
Marc Marquez to read Valentino Rossi’s new book “when I retire” from MotoGP
MotoGP
MotoGP
San Marino GP
Marc Marquez to read Valentino Rossi’s new book “when I retire” from MotoGP
Valentino Rossi abandons Nordschleife Permit plans for 2026
Endurance
Endurance
NLS8
Valentino Rossi abandons Nordschleife Permit plans for 2026
More from
Yamaha Factory Racing
MotoGP to fine riders €5,000 for failing to attend promotional events
MotoGP
MotoGP
Indonesian GP
MotoGP to fine riders €5,000 for failing to attend promotional events
Risky or good for the show? MotoGP riders divided on 2027 weekend format change
MotoGP
MotoGP
Indonesian GP
Risky or good for the show? MotoGP riders divided on 2027 weekend format change
Alex Rins jokes “I sh*t my pants” as Jack Miller gives him MotoGP taxi ride
MotoGP
MotoGP
Japanese GP
Alex Rins jokes “I sh*t my pants” as Jack Miller gives him MotoGP taxi ride
Latest news
Tim Clark wants NASCAR to be better storytellers to counter "brand perception problem"
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 33 min
Tim Clark wants NASCAR to be better storytellers to counter "brand perception problem"
Why NASCAR's Zane Smith fine for Carson Hocevar contact was consistent
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
1 h
Why NASCAR's Zane Smith fine for Carson Hocevar contact was consistent
Jimmie Johnson on the NASCAR business world: "It's a war"
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 1 h
Jimmie Johnson on the NASCAR business world: "It's a war"
David Alonso lashes out at Dani Holgado: "When you’re not a good person, there’s nothing you can do"
Moto2
MOT2 Moto2
Phillip Island
1 h
David Alonso lashes out at Dani Holgado: "When you’re not a good person, there’s nothing you can do"
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe