VR46: “Now, I really need to race”

Despite a more difficult preseason for Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) than his new teammate Maverick Viñales, the king of Sundays is feeling fired up and ready for the first race. With four practice sessions, qualifying and the Warm Up before the lights go out - and the points are given out - the 2015 Qatar GP winner is confident as he heads into his eighteenth season in the premier class.

Now all that's left is to get racing.

Valentino Rossi: “I'm very happy that the season finally starts. It‘s been a busy winter, challenging, and now I really need to race. Our bike has improved a lot during the winter and, although we are not yet OK, we will work hard during the next few days in Qatar to be ready for the start of the first race of the season. We will see what the weather conditions will be like and then we will try to find the best set-up possible. I‘m confident that together with the team we will be ready for Sunday.”