Valentino Rossi has hailed his Spanish Grand Prix the "perfect weekend" after taking pole position and the race win – his first since the British Grand Prix in August last year.
The Italian rider fought off a brief challenge from team-mate Jorge Lorenzo who himself was under pressure from Marc Marquez, to eventually dominate the race. Although the gap to second was small, Rossi managed it well and had the pace when he needed it.
"I think that this was the perfect weekend," he said after taking his 87th MotoGP win.
"We started to go faster from Friday morning and we worked very well. The bike, in the race, was fantastic and we worked very well with the team so I have to say "thank you" to the whole Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team, especially my crew.
"I had a good pace and a good start and felt good with the bike from the beginning, so I could push. Sincerely, it was a special taste to have a win like this, so thanks a lot!"
Rossi moves to within seven points of second-placed Lorenzo in the standings and a further 17 behind Marquez.
