Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
PROGRAMMING NOTE: MotoGP Qualifying from Laguna Seca will air on SPEED on Saturday, July at 10:00pm ET.
It might have been the sunshine, jet lag or simply the excitement of the weekend’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, but the MotoGP riders in the pre-event press conference were in a jovial mood when facing the national and international media on Thursday afternoon.
Present in the giant media centre that houses those covering the action at Laguna Seca was reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi, flanked by Andrea Dovizioso, Chris Vermeulen and home riders Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden. All were happy to share their thoughts ahead of Friday’s opening practice session.
“I like American jet lag,” said Fiat Yamaha man Rossi, renowned for his aversion to early starts. “In the mornings here I am in much better shape than in Italy, for example!”
Rossi was one of the principle protagonists of last year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix in what was the turning point of his season. This time out he leads the series upon arrival in Laguna Seca, although he is taking nothing for granted.
