“It’s always special when you arrive at your home GP” says Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi, as he comes back to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini after missing last year’s race through injury.
The grass bankings and grandstands surrounding Misano this weekend are set to be painted yellow once more, with the San Marino GP being Rossi’s true home race – situated just 20 minutes from his house in Tavullia. And just like he managed to do at Mugello this season, the nine-time World Champion is hoping he can have a great weekend in front of his adoring fans, friends and family: “There will be many friends and fans at the circuit and we'll give it our all to make it a nice weekend.”
On track, both Rossi and teammate Maverick Viñales came to test at Misano ahead of the GoPro British Grand Prix and were able to continue to work on improving the M1 after a difficult season so far – despite the former sitting second in the Championship. The aim for the 39-year-old? A podium challenge and to pick up where they left off from the test, as well as hoping the weather will stay dry – unlike last season’s rain-soaked race.
“We were in Misano for a test a few weeks ago and we will have to pick up our work again from where we left off. We'll give our maximum to start the weekend in the best way possible and do a good race, fighting for the podium. I hope the weather will be good, so everybody can enjoy this weekend.”
The number 46 has tasted the champagne at Misano six times since it returned to the MotoGP™ calendar in 2007, including three wins - most recently in 2014. Is another Rossi rostrum on the cards this weekend?