Rossi: I have to suffer but I will try

Valentino Rossi says he will have to ‘suffer’ in Sunday’s 23–lap Aragon MotoGP race, but will nevertheless push hard after securing a shock front row start in qualifying.

The Italian sustained a double break to his right leg in an enduro training incident 23 days ago, but decided to ride in this weekend’s Aragon round having made quicker–than–expected progress in his rehabilitation.

Rossi scraped into the top 10 to bag a place in Q2 in third practice, and proceeded to put his YZR–M1 third on the grid, missing out on the pole time set by team–mate Maverick Vinales by just 0.180 seconds

Feeling better each day with his leg, Rossi believes he will be able to finish the race at least, though will likely have to endure more pain than he has done at any point this weekend.

“This morning when I wake up I was already in a better shape, so if continue like this and tomorrow make another step with the leg I can do all the race,” he said.

“But we need to wait, we need to see. For sure, with the race tyres, the bike is a bit more difficult to ride.

“The race is difficult for everybody in the normal conditions, so for sure I have to suffer but I will try.

“In qualifying, with the soft tyres, everything is a bit more easy. But depends very much on the rear tyre tomorrow, first of all (to) make the right choice, and after I hope we can work well and improve the pace.

“So, I don’t know (where I will finish). Starting from the front row is for sure a help, so try to make a good start and after we see.”

Crutchlow: Rossi will challenge for the podium

While Rossi is unsure how his race will unfold, LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow believes the Italian will be a podium contender on Sunday.

Crutchlow – who qualified 0.015s behind Rossi in fourth – fully expected the Yamaha rider to be competitive in Aragon despite the injury, and praised his effort in qualifying.

“I saw him this morning,” Crutchlow told Autosport.com.

“It takes him more time to get up to speed, sure, but in qualifying he fucking did a fantastic lap and all weekend he has been fast.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect him to be any different. I expected him to fast all weekend. I expect him to challenge for the podium tomorrow.

“He is not gonna just come here and crusie around.”