10 MotoGP Quotes: Argentina GP Pre-Race Press Conference

Six premier-class riders addressed the media on Thursday in Argentina. Here is what they said.

What are these premier-class MotoGP racers saying going into the Argentina GP?Photo: Dorna

Of the six MotoGP riders who attended Thursday's pre-event press conference for the Grand Prix of Argentina, only two, Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez (2014/16) and Movistar's Yamaha's Valentino Rossi (2015), have scored race wins at the Termas de Rio circuit.

As for the others—Maverick Vinales, Andrea Dovizioso, Aleix Espargaro, and Scott Redding—only Dovizioso has recorded a top-three finish. Dani Pedrosa, Cal Crutchlow, and Jorge Lorenzo have also stood on either the second and/or third step of the podium.

Will there be a third different winner in Argentina on Sunday? Based on his dominant preseason performances and come-from-behind Qatar victory two weeks ago (CLICK HERE for race results from Qatar), current series points leader Vinales is the clear choice. But as Rossi noted, maybe 10 riders can fight for the podium.

Maverick Vinales, Movistar Yamaha: "We start, let's say, from zero. We know the track, but I never ride it with the Yamaha. I know the bike here is good, and the track is quite good for my riding style. I'm quite confident that we can be strong."Photo: Dorna
Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati Team: "In the last two years, our speed was quite good. We never fight for the victory, but we were quite close. We started in a really good way in Qatar, so we are confident. We have to wait to see the conditions."Photo: Dorna
Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha: "We try to start here in Argentina from the race in Qatar. In the first race weekend, we improved a lot the feeling with the bike. Starting with the podium is always important, and I was not far from the first two."Photo: Dorna
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda: "Qatar we know is not the best circuit for us. Anyway, the final result was not bad. We arrive here in Argentina and we know we need to work from the beginning, try to prepare well, and find a good pace for Sunday."Photo: Dorna
Scott Redding, Octo Pramac Racing (left): "Going into Qatar already feeling quite strong was the best way I could start the season. We knew the one-lap time was possible to do, which last year I struggled with. With the new bike, I can improve in my weak areas."Photo: Octo Pramac Racing
Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati Team (shown here during Free Practice at Termas de Rio Hondo): "Every time here is very difficult for everybody because it is very dirty and it is difficult to work. It looks like Saturday can be wet, so let's see how the race will be and try to adapt in the best way like in Qatar."Photo: Ducati Team
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini: "We knew from all the winter tests that we have to improve a lot in a single lap because we are still looking for more power. With a new tire, we cannot be really competitive, but when the tire drops, the bike is really competitive."Photo: Dorna
Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha (shown here during Free Practice): "I like this track. The layout is very interesting and also fun to ride with a MotoGP [bike]. From 2014, I did always good races, but like the other guys say, we need to understand the condition of the track. Last year was very difficult."Photo: Yamaha
Scott Redding, Octo Pramac Racing: (shown here during Free Practice) "The main thing was to be under 10 seconds from the leader. It was my biggest improvement from last year in the race, and I just want to continue that for the rest of season. Sometimes, it will be easier. Sometimes, it will be more difficult."Photo: Octo Pramac Racing
Maverick Vinales, Movistar Yamaha (shown here during Free Practice): "Hopefully, [we will have] a normal weekend. We want to work and arrive to the race 100 percent. We've been in many tracks, I feel strong in each track, so I hope here I can feel it again."Photo: Yamaha