Valentino Rossi has admitted the 2017 MotoGP championship is still ‘wide open’, ahead of the series’ return to action at the Czech Grand Prix.
After the opening nine rounds of the 18-event MotoGP season, Rossi is just 10 points behind championship leader Marc Marquez.
He is fourth in the riders’ standings, with team-mate Maverick Vinales and Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso second and third – five and six points behind Marquez, respectively.
Following MotoGP’s summer break, the series returns to the race track at the Brno circuit this weekend, with Rossi in an optimistic mood.
“The championship is still wide open and we will have to work hard to be always on the podium,” he said.
“Brno is a track I really like, I have a lot of good memories of this circuit and I hope I can make it another nice race this weekend. It will be important to be quick from the first session.
Rossi has rested over the summer break, but returned to training “as soon as possible” and is feeling good heading into the Czech Grand Prix weekend.
Rossi’s Yamaha team-mate Vinales admitted he must be fully focused, adding: “It is going to be crucial if we want to fight for the championship title. There is no room for mistakes.”
Discussion about this post