As we approach the second round of the 2016 MotoGP Championship in Argentina this weekend, Movistar Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi’s main concern appears to be tyre choices ahead of the race in the pre-race press conference; rather than the behavior of his fellow rivals.
Today marked the twentieth year anniversary since the nine times world champion’s debut back in 1996 at the Malaysian GP. After just signing to renew his contract for another two years with the Movistar Yamaha team, Rossi is hoping to remain competitive and continue the success of his glorious career which will now continue until at least the end of 2018.
Rossi finished fourth in the season opener at Qatar behind his teammate Jorge Lorenzo who went on to win, followed by Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso and Repsol Honda rival Marc Marquez; his target was a podium and despite not reaching this he was ‘quite happy’ that he was able to stick with the fastest three riders.
The rule changes have meant that the competition is much more equal than previous years between all riders and many are appearing to make a strong start to the season. The addition of Michelin becoming the new tyre manufacturer for the season has also meant that riders’ decisions are vital ahead of the race. All these are the main concerns Rossi spoke about today ahead of the race.
“We need to make better to improve and become more competitive and stronger. Also, the choice of tyres is now more open because in the first group there was a lot of different choice, so we need to concentrate and make the right choice for Sunday here.
We hope for good weather. I like the track, it’s good that most riders like the track; it’s a funny layout, medium-fast and it’s quite technical. Last year was a great result but also the year before the race was not so bad, but you know it looks like this year we have a lot of bikes and riders who are fast so we need to find something more.”
Rossi finished fourth in 2014 when Argentina returned to the MotoGP schedule and last year won; it was Rossi’s strong start to the 2015 season that left him in contention towards the end. Rossi did not refer to the previous incidents including Marquez in 2015 or teammate Lorenzo in Qatar; instead, he appears to be aware of his competition yet focused on the task ahead.
