---
title: "Yamaha duo relying on history at Czech MotoGP"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/08/18/yamaha-duo-history-czech-motogp/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Issatt"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2016-08-18T20:29:36Z"
modified: "2016-08-18T20:29:36Z"
---

# Yamaha duo relying on history at Czech MotoGP

Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi are hoping history is on their side at the Czech MotoGP this weekend.

For Lorenzo, Brno has been a successful hunting ground with five wins in all classes and two in MotoGP. The Spaniard has also been on the podium each of the last four years.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2016/08/589498978.jpg)

He heads to the Czech Republic on the back of what was a season reboot in Austria as he put poor performances in the wet at Assen and Sachsenring behind him.

“I needed a good result,” he admitted after managing his first podium since Mugello at the Red Bull Ring.

“I didn’t doubt that sooner or later I would get back there but the result helps.

“And now here we’re at a circuit that historically and theoretically is good for us, and good for my riding style. So let’s see if theory matches reality and we can fight for the win.”

Contemplating what was causing the swing in performance, the reigning world champion pointed towards the Michelin tyres as a key factor.

“These tyres can change things dramatically at every track,” Lorenzo claimed. “One race you can dominate and win the race then the next one you can be fifth.

“And now, with the Ducatis being competitive, you can finish easily down in fifth. You can lose a lot of points or recover a lot of points, so this can change things a lot.”

As for Rossi, this weekend marks 20 years since his first win in the 125cc class in his rookie season back in 1996. Five further wins in the premier class have continued to make Brno a special place for ‘the Doctor’.

![Mark Thompson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2016/08/1629672.jpg)

In recent years, however, it hasn’t been quite so kind to the Italian with only two podium places to his name in the seven years since his last success at the circuit.

Despite that, Rossi says it’s impossible for him to not enjoy the trip each year as he looks to improve on that record.

“It’s a great track and also the scene of my first victory so it’s unforgettable,” he said.

“But in the last few years I haven’t been able to be as fast as Marquez and Lorenzo. The target for this weekend is to be a bit faster and fight with them.”

Indeed, getting it right on a Sunday hasn’t always been easy for Rossi in 2016, something he alluded to when discussing his chances.

“This year seems like the opposite of last year with a lot of good qualifying, a lot of front rows…but then more problems in the race,” he explained.

“We need to understand the level of the others because the Ducatis could also be very strong here, and the Hondas. Marquez, but also Pedrosa because he always goes very well in Brno.

Arguably, with Ducati’s success in Austria considered circuit specific, Yamaha head to the Czech Republic as favourites.

For Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, the main aim will be to close the gap to Marc Marquez in the Riders’ championship. With Marquez possibly still hampered by a shoulder injury, it is a necessity for one of the Yamaha men to maximise their chance to do so this weekend.