Valentino Rossi has conceded that Yamaha “can do better” than its difficult 2017 MotoGP campaign, in which he won just once and finished fifth in the standings.
The nine-times World Champion struggled with the 2017 YZR-M1 from the first group test in November 2016, and spent much of the year battling grip issues in hot and wet conditions.
Rossi managed just one win, at Assen, and five other podium placements across the year as his title tilt faded in the latter stages of the season, accentuated by missing an event due to a leg fracture.
The Italian has pinpointed the bike's electronics as the key areas to work on during the upcoming pre-season tests in order to avoid a repeat of his troubled 2017 campaign.
“We have to work hard I think, because we are coming from last year's season which was not the maximum for me and all the team – we can do better,” Rossi said during Yamaha's 2018 launch event in Madrid.
“We have to work a lot, [we have to] concentrate on the bike. What I have to say, electronics [are an area to improve on] maybe, all small details to try to be fast and also to try and use the tyres in a better way I think was the key for last season.”
Rossi suffered a double break to his right leg during an enduro training accident prior to his home race at Misano last year.
Despite fears of a long injury layoff, the Yamaha rider only missed one event and returned to competitive action just 23 days after his fracture; Rossi believes the key to his full recovery was getting back on the bike as soon as possible.
“I never feel too much pain this time,” Rossi said when asked about his injury.
“I remember in 2010, when I had the same injury, I want to relax because I suffer a lot.
“This time I suffer less, so when you do this job the most important thing is to come back on the bike as soon as possible. I think that was a good recovery.”
Rossi's team-mate Maverick Vinales announced during the launch event that he had re-signed with the team through 2020.
The Italian, whose current deal expires at the end of this season, has previously said a decision on whether he will continue racing past this year will be taken after the opening 2018 rounds, while also admitting his new deal may be for just a single campaign.
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