MotoGP press conference at Indianapolis

The MotoGP World Championship riders kicked off the action at the Indianapolis Grand Prix with the traditional press conference, so there were plenty of hot topics after the summer break.

On this occasion we were able to hear from seven riders who gave their views on both the resumption of the championship and other highly topical issues, from the new Indy layout to all the transfer and contract renewal moves that have happened during these days of summer break.

The reigning world champion Marc Márquez took the centre of a table flanked by Lorenzo, Rossi, Dovizioso, Aleix Espargaró, Nicky Hayden and Cal Crutchlow. Many participants at this press conference on the USA track. The first to speak was the 99, who commented on the news about his renewal with Yamaha and his eagerness to get back on track.

Márquez said:

We had a bit of a rest during the holidays, a week or so, but now we are ready to carry on. It will be nice to get back on the bike and see how this track has turned out with the new corners and the resurfacing.

The next to speak was Rossi, the first winner of a race at Indy MotoGP, who returns now with great strength and enthusiasm for the restart, so keep a close eye on the Italian and his Yamaha.

For me, the start of the season was very good. We had some good races, but unfortunately we have not been able to win, even though our results have been very consistent. We are going to keep working to improve them.

Afterwards, it was Dovi’s turn, another of the riders renewed with Ducati, who arrives as the number 1 rider for the Italian brand this season and the next ones. We will see what he can do with the novelties the brand has brought to this track.

We have signed a new contract for two more years, Ducati has a renewed project and I feel optimistic about next year. Indy is a rather strange circuit, but the changes they have made will hopefully make the track more fun to race on. We have a new engine that should help us on the main straight.

Behind him it was Aleix Espargaró’s turn, the 41 explained his ongoing negotiations for 2015 and set out his goals for the rest of this season.

We are studying the options for 2015. As is known, my priority is to join Suzuki, but we are still working on that. Our main goal this season is to finish in the top six and perhaps overtake Dovizioso in the championship.

Hayden was also present at the press conference, but the American will not be present due to an injury on the track, and will be replaced by Leon Camier, although the 69 could not miss the Grand Prix at home for him.

And it closed with Cal Crutchlow, another of the protagonists in recent days with his signing for LCR Honda and his farewell to Ducati.

Of course I am going to give 100% for Ducati for the rest of this season. The agreement with LCR Honda came together very quickly, but that is how racing works. I am happy with the decision I have made.

Source | MotoGP Official website