Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales are traveling to the Atlantic Ocean this week for the second round of the 2018 MotoGP World Champion, to be held at the Termas de Rio Hondo, in Argentina this weekend.
Rossi finished third in the first race of the season in the International Circuit of Losail in Doha, Qatar. And now he is looking forward to the Argentina Grand Prix alongside his team-mate Vinales.
Last year, at Argentina GP, both riders finished at first and second for Movistar Yamaha team. And now the Doctor admitted the battle is not going to be easy because Yamaha has stronger rivals at this time.
“Last year we were very strong in Argentina. We came first and second and I think it was the best race of our team that season.” Rossi said.
“But since then the balance of the rider field has changed, our rivals are stronger now. It will be a hard fight, but I like the track and usually our bike works well there. It could be a surprising weekend, but I hope to be strong.
“For me, the riders to beat for title are Dovizioso and Marquez, maybe more Dovizioso, but I put them on the same level because Marquez always has the ability to be strong. I’m happy with my own first race, but we’re not at their level yet.” Rossi added.
Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi will now seek satisfaction once again this weekend in Argentina Grand Prix. (Source:www.gpone.com)
After a more difficult season last year, the Italian rider found some serious on his YZR-M1 bike. However, in January, Rossi confirmed that Yamaha’s 2018 MotoGP challenger will be based on the 2016 version.
“Last year we lost the good of our bike, we were left with flaws. Now, we still have some flaws but we’ve found the positives. In 2017 Maverick and I finished third and fifth, we can do more. We can, at least, try to fight for the title.” Rossi said.
Vinales, on the other hand, he said: “I’m happy that we found a really nice set-up in first race in Qatar, the team did a really great job during the last race weekend and now we are looking forward to this week’s GP in Argentina.”
“I can’t wait to race in Termas de Rio Hondo, where I won the race last year, I felt really strong and confident. I hope to have the same feeling again, to fight for the victory.” the Spaniard added.
