Rossi: “I have great memories here”

With fond memories of 2015, Valentino Rossi sets his sights on a return to the podium in Argentina.

A spirited ride saw Valentino Rossi just miss out on a podium finish in Qatar, ending 0.1s behind Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and settling for fourth. This was a solid result for the first race but Rossi would have liked a podium. The race did prove that the level of competition has increased in the MotoGP™ World Championship and a repeat of the Italian’s dramatic 2015 win in Argentina is by no means certain.

Working well throughout the weekend will be especially important in Argentina as it will be Rossi’s first time at the circuit with the new Michelin tyres. The true test will come on race day, the nine-time World Champion determined to do better and put up a stronger podium challenge. Rossi is the only rider to have finished inside the top four in both previous races at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit and is the only full-time rider who raced at the Buenos Aires circuit, the previous home of the Argentina GP.

Valentino Rossi: “I am very happy to go to Argentina. In this place I have many fans and it's always nice to feel the affection and passion of these people. I have great memories here. Last year it was a great race. It will be difficult to repeat the same result but we will try. In Qatar I was not able to go on the podium but it was a good race anyway. We worked well throughout the weekend. In Argentina we will have to do the same thing, but we'll have to do better in the race, and try to get on the podium. I really like the Termas track and we will try to do our best!”