Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) arrives at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas off the back of a difficult weekend in Argentina. However, the Circuit of the Americas is a track he’s managed to stand on the podium twice at in the last three seasons – is a repeat on the cards this weekend?
The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP™ team didn’t have the easiest of pre-seasons in the lead up to Qatar, but with Rossi finishing less than a second behind race winner Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) the feelings were positive heading to Argentina. During the whirlwind that was Termas, the ‘Doctor’ came away without any points, leaving him eighth in the Championship – 22 points behind Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol). Looking ahead to Texas, however, the number 46 feels confident about the weekend ahead.
“Getting back on track after a difficult race, like the one in Argentina, is always important. We have to work to improve our M1 and every session will be crucial,” stated the nine-time World Champion. “Austin is a very difficult track for me and for the M1, but also for this reason I need to work at the best level with my team, so we can find a good set-up from the first day of free practice. I’m confident. I’m always happy to be in Texas. I like the atmosphere and the track. It hasn’t been a good start to the season, but in Austin I hope to do a good race. We will do our best.”
Ever since COTA joined the MotoGP™ calendar in 2013, the track has been dominated by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Honda, who havewon all five of the races. However, it’s also a track where the ‘Doctor’ has progressively improved on his YZR-M1. Finishing third in 2015 and second last year - both times much closer to Marquez - proves a podium for Rossi should never be ruled out.
Movistar Yamaha Team Director Massimo Meregalli shared his views on Rossi’s chances this weekend. “The circuit's lay-out isn't the best match for Yamaha, but last year Valentino underlined once more that good results and podium finishes are definitely within our reach here.”
Looking for that illusive tenth World Championship, can Rossi close the gap to his Championship rivals when the MotoGP™ riders #TameTheBeast in Texas? Tune in for FP1 at 09:55 local time (GMT -5).