Movistar Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi claimed his 113th career victory today when he led from his pole position on the grid every lap and claiming the fastest lap of the race at the fourth round of the MotoGP at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.
The Italian was extremely happy after such a successful weekend as he did many wheelies to celebrate his pole position and his win. His teammate Lorenzo was almost able to steal his lead at one point but in the end, but he had to back off due to tyre issues and let Rossi complete his faultless ride from start to finish.
“On the grid my mechanic Brian said to me, “First in front! From the first to the last corner” and I say, “Hmmm, maybe it’s a good idea!” And in fact it’s not so bad! Great start, good rhythm and I had a small advantage every lap so like this is like a break.”
The nine-times world champion is currently third in the championship with fifty-eight points; he is twenty-four behind championship leader Marc Marquez.
“I think that this was the perfect weekend because we started to go faster. From Friday morning we worked very well and the bike in the race was fantastic. We worked very well with the team so I have to thank all the Yamaha MotoGP Movistar team, especially my crew. I had a good pace, I had a good start, I feel good with the bike from the beginning so I can push and especially it was a special taste, a win like this.
Rossi last win came last season at the British round last year at Silverstone. Since then he saw the 2015 championship slip from his hands and his teammate Jorge Lorenzo stole the crown at Valencia, after Rossi collided with Marc Marquez at Sepang.
“It depends how much you want to win! Today the desire was very high because my last victory was last year in Silverstone. So after Silverstone Marquez win, Lorenzo win, but me? No! So today was my turn!”
