From eurosport.com :

Valentino Rossi has almost given up on winning his sixth successive opening race of the season at Jerez on Sunday after chatter problems left him ninth on the grid. The Italian, who crashed just four minutes into qualifying, explained that the sticky Michelin tyres made the vibrations even worse. After making progress with his YZR-M1 machine in Friday's free practice, Rossi's cause was not helped by an incident early in Saturday's session, when he became the first of five riders to end up in the gravel after oil was spilled on the track by another competitor. "I thought we had solved a lot of the problems yesterday but today they came back," Rossi said. "The bike is still vibrating and with the qualifying tyre the problem became worse because the extra grip on the rear pushed the front even harder. "Basically we are losing time in every part of the corner," he explained. "Also the crash at the start of the session didn't help but we can't use that as an excuse. "I have won the first race of the season every year since 2001 but it is going to be difficult tomorrow," he added. "I have always found that it helps to start the season with a win so I will still be going for it!"

So the problems were mainly on the qualifying tyre - that leaves a tiny chance that the race tyre is not quite as sticky and will eat some of the vibrations.

Go, Valentino, Go !

Ok Ok Ok ...if ANYONE can say that Valentino hasnt got the will to race...then they obviously didnt see todays race.. He may of finished 14th after Elias knocked him off his bike on the first lap....( good to see him apologise to Valentino at the end of the race ) but inspite of no footrest , broken brake handle - Valentino got back onto his bike and RACED !!! ended up with 2 points...

Hes simply the best...but well done to Caparossi though...getting a win ( and me money into my bet and win account !!) but make the most of it ..Rossi will be  back and with vengence.....Oh boy roll on next race