Rossi: Austria circuit never very positive for us

Valentino Rossi is hopeful progress gained from the Brno test can be used to turnaround his recent fortunes at the Red Bull Ring which hosts the Austrian MotoGP.

While the Spielberg circuit hosts fond memories for Rossi, having claimed his maiden world championship podium with third place in the 1996 125cc race, since the Austrian track’s return to the MotoGP calendar in 2016 he has failed to reach the rostrum.

Rossi, who caught huge attention trialling Yamaha’s new fairing during the Brno test, wants to see improvements uncovered at the test translate at the Red Bull Ring this weekend.

“The Austrian circuit has never been very positive or a favourite for us and last year we suffered,” Rossi said. “But this year's bike has improved and we will try to have a good weekend and fight for the podium. We will do our best.

“August is a very intense month. After the race and the test in Brno we will immediately get back on track in Austria. This will allow us to continue the work we are doing to improve the bike.”

The nine-time world champion completed the Brno test as Movistar Yamaha’s sole rider as team-mate Maverick Vinales was forced to miss out in order to recover for Austria following his heavy opening lap clash with Stefan Bradl and Bradly Smith.

Yamaha’s new fairing Rossi used in the test have not been made an official upgrade yet and it is not clear if the device will be deemed legal by technical head Danny Aldridge.

Rossi remains second in the MotoGP riders’ championship but slipped to 49 points behind leader Marc Marquez with the Spanish rider taking third place in Brno one spot directly ahead of the Italian.