MotoGP: Dovizioso: 'We have to be ready for anything'

Andrea Dovizioso has said it’s too early to talk about Sunday’s race after the opening day on track at Silverstone.

Cool and windy conditions saw grip levels low during both MotoGP free practice sessions and with riders having to familiarise themselves with the all-new surface, which has come under fire for being too bumpy, the day’s quickest man believes more will be learned about race pace in Saturday’s two practice sessions, for which there is a more favourable weather forecast.

However, with rain forecast for Sunday things could be dramatically difference come the race.

Dovizioso’s time of 2’01.385 saw him pip home hero Cal Crutchlow to the top spot by 0.005 seconds, but says his pace on used Michelin rubber was his most significant learning of the day.

“Overall our speed is good,” Dovizioso said. “The feeling is bad for everybody as even when you are fast you have to fight the bumps!
“I am happy because our pace is good, but it is very difficult on track. This afternoon we started with a used tyre and our pace was fast, that’s the most important thing from today, more so than the quick lap at the end with the new tyre.

“It’s too early to talk about the race, the weather looks OK tomorrow so we will see where our competitors are and then on Sunday we will see, it looks like it will be wet – we have to be ready for anything.”

Pick up this week’s MCN for an extensive, 36-page British Grand Prix preview featuring exclusive interviews with Rossi, Marquez and Lorenzo, a hot lap with Cal Crutchlow and the tech secrets between Marquez’ championship-leading Honda.

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