Valentino Rossi reckons gains found from the post-Catalan GP test at Barcelona will stand him and the rest of the factory Yamaha squad in good stead for the Dutch TT.
The veteran Italian arrives at the Dutch classic off the back of two particularly tough weekends, as both bad luck and a lack of pace stifled his chances of a strong result.
The nine-time MotoGP world champion struggled for speed at his home race at Mugello, crashing out while running outside of the points-paying positions on lap seven.
While he and his factory Yamaha team looked much stronger at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, as all four Yamaha’s on the MotoGP grid qualified in the top five, Rossi was taken out in a lap three crash caused by Jorge Lorenzo.
He has won the Dutch TT on eight occasions in the premier class, seven of which on a Yamaha. The 2017 edition of the event also remains Rossi’s last victory to date, meaning if he doesn’t win this weekend his win drought will extend to over two years.
Rossi reckons though that Yamaha’s promising Catalunya pace paired with the post race test findings means he can be optimistic heading into the Netherlands-Germany double header.
“After the unlucky race in Barcelona we are ready for the two consecutive GPs of Assen and Sachsenring,” said Rossi.
“In Montmelo we did a good job in the garage, we worked well, and we were very fast. I felt good during the two laps in the race, so in the Netherlands this week we will work hard to get ready for the fight at the front again.
“The Catalunya test was positive, and I think the conclusions can help us have a good race weekend here. We will do our best.”
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