Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi is aiming to add to his tally of Argentine podiums this weekend after a strong start to the season in Qatar.
The nine-times world champion came into the season with bleak prospects for the first race following a winter of difficulties with Michelin’s new front tyre. But several improvements made to his YZR-M1 during the Qatar weekend have regained his confidence in the front-end.
Rossi was able to carve his way through the pack from 10th as a result, and remain a fixture in the battle for the victory right up until the final few laps, when wearing tyres forced him to settle for third.
“It wasn’t an easy start to the championship,” the Yamaha rider said.
“We have worked so hard over during the test, but during the weekend of the first race we have fixed a few things, especially in the front. The race went very well and I was happy to be able to get on the podium.”
Rossi has a strong record in Argentina. The Doctor tallied up one win at the Buenos Aires circuit back in 1998 in the 250cc class, and added to that with victory in 2015 at the new Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.
He also has two other podium finishes to his name in the country, a second and third, both shared between Buenos Aires in 1999 and Termas de Rio Hondo last year.
His past results at the 2.8-mile Argentinian track have Rossi pleased to be returning, but also slightly worried about the typically poor track conditions.
“Now we go to Argentina. This is a track that I live very much and I’m happy to go there.
“I hope that there are good asphalt conditions, because last year it was very difficult for us. We will try to work better and try to go once again on the podium.”
Rossi will look to hit the ground running on Friday in FP1 at 09:55 (GMT-3).
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