Yamaha Racing's Valentino Rossi successfully rounded out a long weekend at the Automotodrom Brno on Monday. Following Sunday afternoon's Grand Prix of the Czech Republic Rossi was back aboard his YZR-M1s for an eight-hour test.
The Doctor tried out a new aero fairing and new carbon front forks from Öhlins and some other items, and secured first place on the leaderboard.
Rossi got straight down to business when he hit the track, comparing various parts and settings with positive results, completing 52 laps in total, and really put his head down on the last stint to go top on lap 51 with a 1‘55.162s, 1.930s quicker than his fastest time in Sunday's race.
He wrapped up the day leading with a 0.018s margin over his closest rival.
“I'm so happy, because it's been a long time since I was able to be in the first position on a Monday,” he said. “I don't usually like the Monday tests, they are a difficult part of my work. It's important because we finished a good weekend with a good performance.”
“Being in first position is always a good feeling. Between all the things we tried, we tried the fairing that was good. I have a good feeling, but that depends on the track, I don't think that for example at a track like Austria this fairing will be very important. I'm happy. I like the fork, because it helps in the change of direction and the bike is easier and lighter, so it's a good option.”
