FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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"We try something new every time we race": riders get set for more in Styria

"We try something new every time we race": riders get set for more in Styria

The pre-event Press Conference welcomes the paddock back to the Red Bull Ring for another stunning showdown

Take two! As the paddock remains at the stunning Red Bull Ring, it's time to reset and reload for the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was joined by Austrian GP winner Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), rookie Brno winner Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in the pre-event Press Conference to debrief last weekend and look ahead to the next chance to attack the Austrian track, which will also be the 900th premier class race!

FABIO QUARTARARO: "It was a pretty frustrating race last Sunday but like you say it was a strange Sunday after the big crash. Main thing is everyone was safe. In the first race I went straight into the gravel, i had a front brake like a clutch which wasn’t the best feeling. So we decided to change a lot of things from the front brake to try to improve but on the second lap of the second race I couldn’t be behind someone. Even alone I was struggling to stop the bike. We had problems on the pads into the callipers so that happened. Really frustrated because our pace was quite good, not for the victory but for the top five.  

"For me it’s wide open but again to have a second race in Austria, Andrea is super fast here and in all the next tracks, of course I think he’s one of the main contenders but many manufacturers are there. I think the top five were four manufacturers so everybody is there and I think it’s quite fun. We will try to make our best this weekend, we had good pace last weekend so we want to work a little bit better so we are fighting with the podium guys." 

ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: "It was very strange after the race, but more I think because there were no fans and none of my friends at the race, more so than because of my future, which I'm really relaxed about, and especially about this season. I am focused on that so this is not the point.  

"We try something new every time we do a race. You can understand a lot of things, more so than the practice sessions, so it's normal for everyone. I think that we showed really good speed in the race, but I still don't feel good mid-corner and on exit. We have to be better, and especially because we can bring that to upcoming tracks. Some competitors will be stronger this week because they couldn’t get the result last time and so they will be hungry and like everyone they will have seen things in the race. For sure, the weather will decide things. I think it will be hot tomorrow and Saturday, maybe Sunday not so much, but I think it will be a different weekend.

BRAD BINDER: "Jeez, the Friday was a complete mess. I spent more time on the access roads I think. But I kind of expected it because very time I’ve come to a new track its been super tough to find all the markers, stop the bike wheelie-ing and where to go and how to do it properly. Also the weather and not riding in some of the sessions didn’t help because it made it difficult to make the steps forward. Saturday wasn’t good qualifying 17th, but Sunday morning I felt much better and made a small step compared to what I did in qualifying and for the race I knew starting so far back would be super tough. After getting an alright start I just tried to start chipping my way through and see what the other guys were doing. I learnt a lot in these two races, to finish fourth was a shock for sure. I think when I was in eighth place I didn’t pass anyone again… so it was a strange race for sure. The good thing is we really know now after this race; we know the points I need to improve on, and I expect I can do a better job from the beginning this time around.  

"I think the most important thing is I can really use the laps wisely now. When I’m on track I have a good base to work from and we can try and improve from there. Last Friday it was chaos, if I ended up doing 10 clean laps during the whole day that was is. But it’s always like this after a race for everyone though. I expect everyone has found something, seen where they need to improve and I’m looking forward to a good race in Austria."

VALENTINO ROSSI: "It was a very difficult moment, yes, because it was very scary. During the crash, fortunately from the bike I saw just the bike of Zarco flying over Maverick, but sincerely I didn't see that of Franco Morbidelli because it was too close and too fast. We were very lucky because neither bike touched us. It was a difficult situation and a very difficult restart. In the end, maybe you don't have a lot of chances. So, restarting  on the bike wasn't so bad in the end, but yeah, it was a difficult moment.  

"For us, here, this track is difficult; we have to suffer a bit. Our pace is not fantastic enough to fight for a podium or a victory. But, in the second half of the race it wasn't so bad. I was able to be consistent and keep a decent pace and take some points. It’s always strange to make another race at the same circuit but we have a lot of data so we need to start from a better point and try to improve and try to stay with the top group. 


JACK MILLER: "Yeah after the previous two Grands Prix after crashing out of a decent spot in Jerez and never finding our feet in Czechia, we needed that little shot in the arm. All weekend seemed to be pretty good and we were able to capitalise on Sunday. Despite the restart, despite having the changed tyres and all that, I kept level headed and went out and did my work. The bike is working really well here, I can’t fault it. Much of the same this weekend hopefully. All the other boys will be faster again so we’re going to have to find something extra.  

"For sure we’re always looking at each others’ data and whatnot. Dovi is definitely the man to beat around here at the minute. But to put it down to one thing I don’t know, we’ll see what we can do this weekend."


JOAN MIR: "The truth is that last weekend we did a really good job. I think it was my best weekend. Finally we got a good result after searching always for good results but for some reasons and bad luck we couldn't get a result. Anyway, I'm happy for this and let’s see if i can be here a couple more times.

"We have a good base, a competitive bike, but we lost a bit in sector 1 and sector 2 and then in 3 and 4 we recovered a little bit of time. I was behind the Ducatis a lot of laps and I was able to study the strong and weak points and for sure I have good info for this race!"


Here we go again! It's time to reset and reload to attack the Red Bull Ring once again, with MotoGP™ heading out for FP1 at 9:55 (GMT +2) on Friday before the race starts on Sunday at 14:00. DON'T MISS IT!
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Quartararo remains the man in charge of the standings...
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
...although Dovizioso has started closing in
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Binder was 17th on the original grid. And emerged 4th from the drama after another epic rookie ride
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Rossi was top Yamaha in the Austrian GP...
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Miller took a podium and led for some time last weekend. Can he repeat it or beat it?
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Mir and the Red Bull Ring have a long love story already: first Moto3™ win, another the following year, and now his first premier class podium last weekend
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
The social media segment this week was top internet searches related to the riders. Is Fabio married? "I don't think so" was the answer from the man himself...
 
Modifications made to Turn 3
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
 
Following the incident in the Austrian GP between Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) that brought out the Red Flag, Race Direction have overseen modifications to the inside of Turn 3 at the Red Bull Ring in order to minimise the risk of a similar incident reoccurring.

A new wall has been built to make sure nothing can run on and re-enter the track. The wall is constructed of FIA fencing, tyres and an air fence.
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Rins talks to FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini as the work is undertaken
Top photo: Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (right, foreground) looks on as the changes are made to Turn 3. In the centre are FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini (L) and MotoGP™ Safety Officer Loris Capirossi
 
Hopkins and Roberts lap the Red Bull Ring
It’s 20 years since John Hopkins crossed the pond to come and race in Europe, and 20 years since he first rode the Red Bull Yamaha that he would later go on to compete with in the 2002 MotoGP™ season. Now, 'Hopper' is the Rider Coach and a mentor to Tennor American Racing, and the team celebrated the milestone in Styria.

Tennor American Racing's Joe Roberts, who took his first podium at Brno not so long ago, joined Hopper for two laps of the Red Bull Ring on Moto2™ machinery on Thursday - ending in a classic stand up wheelie for both. The two also had a photo opportunity with the very Red Bull Yamaha Hopkins rode in 2002, which is on display at the track!

JOHN HOPKINS: "It was 20 years ago I first rode the bike, the MotoGP bike, as a 16 year old kid on the Red Bull Yamaha! I've got a lot of experience, in this paddock and other Championships for the last 20+ years so I'm just trying to pass on all my knowledge and experience to a young talented American I know can be a World Champion one day. Being able to pass on that knowledge is extremely rewarding, seeing Joe going out and getting on the podium in Brno and having the success he's having this year is almost more rewarding than I ever had in any of my racing career. It's good to pass that on!"

JOE ROBERTS: "It's like John said, for me it's incredible to have him on board, he's been a huge hero of mine ever since I was a kid. I remember he came out to a go kart track to watch one of the mini Championships I grew up riding, and he grew up riding! He's always been a person I looked up to, and seeing that Red Bull Yamaha brought back a lot of memories for me as well! It was inspiring to see what he did back then. I watched the movie Faster and they showed that whole process for him. It's something I wanted to do! To have him here, he's so vital and I'm excited for our future relationship and what we'll bring to the sport."
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
'Merica YEAH! Hopkins (L) and Roberts (R) fly the Stars and Stripes down on track
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Roberts and Hopkins (R) with the Red Bull Yamaha 
Top photo: Hopkins (L) and Roberts (R) on track
 
Riders connect with fans via Virtual Green Carpet event
Ahead of the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria, the riders headed down to a Virtual Green Carpet event at the Red Bull Ring to connect with a few fans via video call.

The experience becomes an even more valuable one as the grandstands must currently remain empty, and from 12:20 – 14:15 the MotoGP™ grid talked their way down the Green Carpet line and met a few of the people who will most definitely be tuning in for another stunning race on Sunday.
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
Nakagami drops in to talk to the fans
\"We try something new every time we race\": riders get set for more in Styria
The Ducati riders were on hand, here headed by Dovizioso (front)
Top photo: the KTM squad, with Binder flanked by Tech 3's Iker Lecuona (centre) and Oliveira (right)
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