Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) begins the 2016 season finale from P3 as he took an “important” front row on a track that traditionally sees the ‘Doctor’ struggle more – and makes overtaking difficult. After a challenging Friday afternoon but going straight through to Q2 despite grip woes, the number 46 is focused on working hard in the Warm Up session on Sunday morning as he targets a podium finish – aware of the race pace of teammate Lorenzo, future Yamaha teammate Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and rival Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
Valentino Rossi (P3): “To be on the front row is always important but here especially because I always struggle more here. Yesterday was a difficult day but today we’ve improved the balance of the bike. In qualifying I felt good and I feel strong with both tyres. I wanted to do a 1:29 but couldn’t. The front row in Valencia is important because it’s hard to overtake. We have to work hard in Warm Up because Marquez and Lorenzo are quicker – and Viñales is faster than me. So we have to work hard. I want to make a good start and fight for the podium.”