MotoGP | Brno Test: Rossi, “We found something good, but in Austria the situation will be the same”

MotoGP Test Brno Yamaha – Valentino Rossi closed the day of testing on the Brno circuit with the seventh fastest time, around seven tenths from the top of the standings, led by Marc Marquez.

The 'Doctor', after fourth place in Sunday's race, was eager to try the electronic updates brought by Yamaha for testing. Some things seem to have worked, but it is too early to declare the crisis that has been going on since last season over.

“It was a good test because it was as hot as during the race weekend.” Valentino Rossi said at the end of the Brno tests and then added: “We were able to deprive some different set-ups. We worked mainly on acceleration at low rpm. We also focused on reducing tire wear. We found something good, but we still have to put it all together. So I don't think we will be able to improve by next Sunday. In Austria our situation will be the same. In the end we also fitted the new fairing to reduce the rearing but it seemed very similar to me so I don't think we will approve it, we will try it again in the next test.”

On the occasion of the test day, Michelin brought a new front tire to the track. The data collected today will be used to develop it with a view to 2019, this is the thought of the Pesaro native: “I didn't really like it, to be honest.”

Today was the key day for the continuation of the season, the #46 is second in the standings with a 49 point delay, and an important development would have been fundamental to keep the world championship hopes open, perhaps even just mathematically, but the revolution did not arrive : “We worked hard on tire grip, but we only had a small update to improve acceleration. We found something positive, but in Austria we won't be able to use it yet. If I were to race now, I would choose the bike on Sunday. We need more time.”

His teammate, Maverick Vinales, was absent from the tests due to injury in yesterday's race: “I feel sorry for Maverick. I hope he is well, because the next race will be this week. For me, this didn't change anything, I followed the same work plan.”

It will therefore take time before returning to the top step of the podium: "We must work. Our results aren't that bad. We need one last step to win. But it's not what it is today."