Movistar Yamaha MotoGP duo Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales are aiming to challenge for a podium finish at this weekend’s Gran Premio Movistar de Aragon, with Yamaha’s last podium coming at the German GP when both riders stood on the rostrum behind race winner Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
A repeat of the P2 finish for Rossi at the Sachsenring will be a boost for the ‘The Doctor’ after the disappointment of race day at his home GP in Misano. However, MotorLand Aragon isn’t a circuit that is particularly favourable with the nine-time World Champion, despite picking up three podium finishes at Aragon since it joined the calendar in 2010.
“Another intense GP is waiting for us. The Aragon circuit is not one of our favourites, but we will do everything we can and as always we'll try to do our best,” began Rossi, who finished third at the venue in 2013, 2015 and 2016 with the Italian hoping a recent test at the circuit will help him have a good weekend. “Recently we did a test there, and we will use all the data available to improve our performance during the weekend. We want to fight for the podium, and it will be important to work well from day one, because we want to be on the podium again.”
Likewise, teammate Viñales currently has three podiums to his name at Aragon, but the Spaniard has never stood on the rostrum in the premier class at the circuit - something he’s aiming to change at a circuit he enjoys.
“I'm very happy to head to Aragon. For me all the Spanish rounds are very special, because of the atmosphere and the fans that are always there supporting the Spanish rider. It‘s like my second home Grand Prix and we know that we can deliver a good performance there with the M1. It's also one of my favourite tracks because of its lay-out, so in Aragon we can be very fast,” explained the number 25, who also points to the test Yamaha completed a few weeks ago as a sign that the M1 can go well this weekend.
“It's very important to stay focused and keep improving from Grand Prix to Grand Prix to achieve the best set-up possible for our bike. Last year in Aragon we stayed at the podium's doors, because we had some problems with the tyres and it was a difficult race for us. This year I want to fight to get on the rostrum. I’m optimistic after being here for a test some weeks ago, so I think that we can do a good job.”
After a promising Friday and Saturday in Misano, can either Yamaha riders turn their Sunday fortunes around?