Andrea Dovizioso said he never felt comfortable at any stage during qualifying at Silverstone today, explaining his inability to better eighth place. The Italian was particularly affected by the strong winds and admitted he was struggling to keep control of the Yamaha YZR-M1, and is hoping for more settle conditions tomorrow.
“It is a big pity that the rain came at the end of the session because I am confident I could have been much higher up the grid. It will not be easy starting from eighth position because it is a very short run to the first corner and you need to be close to the front to avoid any trouble and be in contention right from the start. It wasn’t a very good session and I think some of that is down to me. Like yesterday the wind was really strong and it is difficult to ride close to the limit in those conditions. I just didn’t feel comfortable and because of that I wasn’t relaxed like normal on the bike and I felt rigid. The wind was so strong in places that keeping control of the bike was very difficult. I am still confident that the times I was doing before the rain came will be competitive in the race. We need to wait and see what the weather will do but I have a good record in the British Grand Prix and hope it continues tomorrow.”
Dovizioso also sent out a good luck message to Monster Yamaha Tech 3 teammate Cal Crutchlow whose participation in the race is in doubt after injuring his ankle in morning practice.
“I also hope Cal will be able to start the race. I know his home race is very important to him and all of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team hope his injuries won’t stop him from riding.”