Julian Taylor

AllAboutBikes.com Editor-In-Chief 

This 4th of July brought more than fireworks to the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. Three crashes from two of the top three riders during qualifying? All accidents were directly related to “cold tires”, according to the racers in the post qualifying press conference.

“We know the problem and Bridgestone are assisting us with it, but we need duel compound tires at a circuit like this,” Valentino Rossi said.

Jorge Lorenzo was brought into the press conference in a chair being carried by three people; he was not able to walk or even stand up. His second crash in qualifying just 10 minutes before the end resulted in a separated shoulder and a very painful foot. He is hopeful of racing tomorrow, but not guaranteeing it.

Casey Stoner, who also crashed on a cold right-hand tire, said he is “not hurt quite as much, I am fit to race tomorrow. I have some pain in my groin and shoulder but I am good to go even with this little set-back”. He said that his crash going into turn 3 was also due to cold tires. Valentino Rossi confirmed the statement by saying he had to “slow down. I had issues and I could feel the rear lighting up”

Jorge Lorenzo on the Fiat Yamaha had the fastest lap at 1’21.678. Valentino Rossi on the same works machine was 0.167 behind his team mate with a lap time of 1’21.845 and Casey Stoner delivered a 1’21.910.

Everyone agreed that the single compound Bridgestone’s need to be addressed.

Julian V. Taylor

Laguna Seca