WorldSBK Misano, Rinaldi: “I used the same strategy as Estoril”

“It’s only Friday and it’s only practice”, comments Michael Ruben Rinaldi after topping the timesheets in FP2 and finishing first in the combined standings. The Ducati rider is pleased with his work today, during a round that could represent a turning point for him.

"I’m pleased, the season started badly. The problem is we were too confident going into round one and when things go badly, I run a horrible race”, explains the rider. “I headed into Estoril with a different strategy, working step by step and I came out pretty fast. Here I’m adopting the same strategy, focusing on my work alone.”

The Italian adds: “This morning I was second but not happy because I couldn’t ride as I wanted and was having to force it too much. If we don’t change something, the race will be difficult because after six laps I was already struggling. The team did a great job coming up with a different option and I was very quick on used tyres. I set my fastest time on used tyres and it was an impressive lap, then I tested my race pace and was quite quick there too”.

“Scott, Toprak, Johnny and Lowes will be quick tomorrow”

Rinaldi gives his predictions ahead of Superpole and race 1. “If we look at the practice results, I’m one of the fastest and can contend the win but they’ll be many other fast guys tomorrow. Scott missed a session today but he’ll be there, and the same goes for Toprak, Johnny and Lowes. We need to work because practice is one thing, but the races are a very different story”.

“Tests help you understand certain things”

The Ducati rider talks about having Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna in the garage. “Gigi doesn’t come to our races often but he works hard back at the factory. He listens a lot, the move that changed things for me today was something he decided with my crew chief but he didn’t say ‘you need to do this’, even if he’s smart and has so much experience. I’d like him here again tomorrow.”

Talking about the work he’s done during testing: “We did a different kind of work, looking for a good set-up but that solution didn’t work today. We also tried this at Aragon but once we got to the race the set-up wasn’t the same as what we'd used during testing. Today we arrived with a similar set-up to Aragon but conditions are different. Testing definitely helps you understand certain things.”

“If I’m not in the mix for the title at the end of the year, I’ll help Scott”

Lastly, Rinaldi touches on the possibility of helping team-mate Redding. “This is only round 3 and the championship is long. If I’m not fighting for the title at the end of the year, I’ll respect team orders. It’s too soon to say whether I’m out of the running, I’m focusing on my own path”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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