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MotoGP, Rossi: we'll understand the M1's potential at Jerez

"I want to improve and fight for the championship." Vinales: "I've changed my mentality and am aiming to win my home race."

MotoGP: Rossi: we'll understand the M1's potential at Jerez

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If compared to 2017, Yamaha's season start has been rather disappointing, with a podium apiece for Valentino and Maverick, and no victories. With three rounds already run, the M1 now needs to prove that it can get back to its previous winning ways.

There is a cautious optimism among the men in blue, as there has been a certain improvement but it remains to be seen whether the team will now be able to fight on a level playing field with Ducati and particularly Honda. The Jerez weekend will therefore serve to clarify things, and both riders are well aware of this.

Starting with Rossi, who has won the Spanish GP on seven occasions and well remembers the difficulties of 12 months ago.

“I'm happy to come back to Europe. The first races of the season didn‘t go very well but we tried something positive. Our M1 is improving and now we arrive at Jerez, a very important track to understand our potential. Last year we struggled a lot, but this year I think we can be better."

The Doctor needs results and won't be holding back.

"Jerez is a circuit that I like very much, I have had some good races here and I would be happy to be back on the podium. Together, me and my team, we'll work hard to find the best set-up and understand the behaviour of the bike with the new asphalt. On Monday we will also have a very important test. We want to improve and fight for this championship."

VINALES: I'VE CHANGED MY MENTALITY - Maverick Vinales is also keen after a solid race in Texas. The Spaniard seems to have regained confidence and now needs to continue along the path taken in America.

After the podium in Austin I can say that I‘m happy overall, our mind changed a lot during the last races. Now we are focused on the next race in Jerez, we are very motivated and positive, and this is good to recover again the feeling that we had last year at the beginning of the season."

His home race could also spur him on to achieve his goals.

Last year Jerez was a difficult race for me. I suffered a lot because we had some issues with the front tyre, but now we have more information to be even stronger than in the last weeks, so we will work hard during this GP to be on the podium again. The new asphalt of the circuit has grip, so I‘m quite positive. I can‘t wait to be at the Circuito de Jerez; one of my home GPs in Spain, and a track that I really like - I enjoy riding there. We will go for the win and we‘ll push for it. The support of the fans will help me to do the rest."

Translated by Heather Watson
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