After achieving a perfect 1-2 in Argentina just two weeks ago, the two Yamaha Racing riders will soon be back in the hot seat of their YZR-M1s as they get the action going at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) on Friday.
Valentino Rossi has enjoyed a very strong start to the season and has shown twice that he knows how to come out swinging in the race, regardless of grid position. Together with his teammate, he is the proud owner of a 100% podium finish rate in 2017 and has a plan to keep it that way.
The Doctor aims to find a good balance for his bike early in the race weekend, so he can not only feature at the front but also put a claim on the top step of the rostrum, 13 years after his first win with Yamaha (April 18th, 2004, Welkom, Africa‘s Grand Prix).
Last year he had a difficult race at COTA, but he will use the experience as extra motivation to show the American fans what he‘s got in store, like he did in 2015 when he finished third.
“I'm happy to be in Texas. I really like Austin,” he said. “The first two races of the season went well and I hope to improve the performance of the first days of free practice. We have much work to do, but I'm confident in my bike and in my team.”
“Austin is a very difficult track and I love riding here. I have an account to settle with this track because last year in the warm-up I made a big step for a strong race but unfortunately I made a mistake. This year I want to try to have a good race. I also really like the atmosphere at the American circuit and I come to this place always very happily.”
