MotoGP, Rossi: “Misano? I want to make it a great weekend”

It's definitely something of a special event, in that it takes place just a few miles from his home town of Tavullia, meaning expectations are particularly high. Valentino Rossi is sharpening his weapons ahead of the Misano round. The Doctor dreams of playing a starring role on the Italian Riviera, also because the recent tests have given him a certain confidence.

#46 is ready for battle: “It's always special when you arrive at your home GP. There will be many friends and fans at the circuit and we'll give it our all to make it a nice weekend. We were in Misano for a test a few weeks ago and we will have to pick up our work again from where we left off. We'll give our maximum to start the weekend in the best way possible and do a good race, fighting for the podium. I hope the weather will be good, so everybody can enjoy this weekend."

On the other side of the garage, Maverick Vinales is keen to put his Yamaha up there with the best: “I'm starting to have the same feeling on my M1 as I had last year at the beginning of the season and that gives me a sense of calm and allows me to focus on continuing to get points in each race."

Maverick has high hopes as he lands in Italy: “I will try to give my 100%, as always, to bring the long-awaited victory for Yamaha. We had a very useful test in Aragon where we kept working on finding the best set-up for my riding style. We are very motivated, because I can feel that we are working in the right direction again."