Thursday press conference features intensified Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi, Honda duo Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez, and satellite riders Cal Crutchlow and Johann Zarco.

The current championship leader, Marquez, has been quite optimistic, heading into the weekend.  He has some concern regarding Yamaha’s previous victories and Ducati’s current form, but feels that he can exert performance from his Honda machine, as they worked on updates at post Catalunya race test.

Marquez says, “Assen is a circuit I like, whereI’m able to ride well. I will try to be on the podium...it looks like will be sunny.. top 5 or 6 riders have some chance to win the championship.. we will try to be in the fight for the victory.”

Rossi, on the other hand being on back-to-back podiums and also aware his M1’s potency over the Assen, calmly reckons, “This track is fantastic, I like a lot & usually the M1 work well here, looks like the weather is good.. I arrive from some podiums, try to continue in the same way.”

Consequently, Rossi on Yamaha satellite team, “For me, no difference for the result but it’s good for everything.. looks like will be a good project with a good sponsor & good riders.”

The doctor points out the advantages of new satellite team with strong sponsors and, also, praises Zarco for his input for improving the bike.

Zarco explains his hardship scenario after French GP, “Hope to find back the competitive Zarco, since Le Mans next 2 races have been complicated.. when it’s hard you learn things.. this year looks like the weather is much more stable.”

Crutchlow after positive test in Barcelona targets for a better result, as he says, “the aim (podium) is exactly the same this weekend, we have to be positive.. we had a positive test.. I found a nice feeling again.. I think our problem is maybe a little bit at the start of the race.. I always enjoy riding here.”

Furthermore, he has asked why British riders are faster at Assen and he replies, “mostly because it rains in England and, also, Big Balls!”

Lorenzo being on an open mentality as he approaches his least favorite circuit by the record and reckons, “we’re gonna be lucky to have sunny days.. I have very good confidence.. our bike can work here, especially now we have a good base.”

Finally, Dani Pedrosa discloses, “didn’t really start well the season, in the last GP we did quite an improvement and need to reconfirm test work done last week."

There is still a dwell in Spaniard’s news future. “Sooner or later I will have something to say,” added.

Meanwhile, Rossi on weather adds, “Last year was very classic Assen weekend, Friday was good but from Saturday always rain, stop, restart, was very difficult.. I don’t think that here will be very very hot so I hope can be strong.”

When queried about possibility of F1 at Assen.  Márquez excitedly says “It would be very fast.. for the bikes means we would have some bumps, but not a big problem.”

Rossi, conversely, adds, “I hope they don’t come.. here Assen is just for motorcycle.. for the historic side is better that just MotoGP race here.”

Lorenzo mirrors Vale’s thoughts, as he says, “I hope doesn’t come here. (mostly because of bumps & mods)”

Rossi on Franco Morbidelli on a new Yamaha satellite team, “I know his potential. He already demonstrate something good this year.. I think that he can be strong with a Yamaha. I hope not enough to beat me.”

On Suzuka 8H, Pedrosa commented: “I prefer to focus for this championship, it’s not easy calendar to mix”, whereas Crutchlow said: “I’ve done the race before & it’s a great spectacle. Every year I look at the possibility but schedule too tight.”

Lorenzo shares the same opinion as of the tight schedule and appreciates Fernando Alonso on taking part in multiple disciplines.

Highlight Fan Questions

For Rossi, on advice to young riders starting to race, he expands, “I think if you try & you understand that you have a good speed for sure is good to try, you have to work a lot.. is a good life & you can learn a lot “

For Pedrosa, on best & worst part of racing, he adds, “best part is when you finally achieve your goal & the happiness of those around you.

 “The worst might be crashing or getting injured.”

Check out the actions begins from FP1 on Friday from 9:00, with the race on Sunday at 14:00 (GMT +2).