Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales had a difficult day in the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, with both riders facing a fight back from the off. Rossi, who started P13 after missing out on entry to Q2, made good progress until a tougher latter part of the race, whereas Viñales dropped back after a run off at Turn 1 and then managed to ride back into P10. Grip was a challenge for the factory outfit throughout the Catalan GP.
Now it’s a test day on Monday in Montmelo, before the paddock heads north to the TT Circuit Assen.
Valentino Rossi, P8: “It’s a great shame for us that we suffered a lot on this track because it is one of my favourites. It is a great shame that we suffered in Jerez and in Barcelona where last I won. It was a very difficult weekend, but now we have the test tomorrow, and we have some interesting stuff to try so we hope to improve. It’s a great shame also because I lost two positions in the Championship, but it’s still very, very tight.”
Maverick Viñales, P10: “It was a really difficult day, and there are days where you have to get points, which today we did. Tenth was the best we could and for sure it’s not the normal place, but anyway today we did our best so we have to be happy. We took six points, so some points and at least we are first in the Championship. I’m angry for sure, because every time I get a lead in the Championship, something happens to me so it’s really very strange. Dovizioso is riding impressively, congratulations, because he is doing an impressive job, so let’s continue like this and hope we can get a better result in Assen.”