Rossi making steps forward with Michelin setup

Valentino Rossi says he’s left the first test of the 2016 season pleased with his progress despite two big shake-ups in the form of both a control electronic and rider aid package and the switch from Bridgestone to Michelin tyres.

Working primarily to adapt the set-up of his M1 from one tyre to another, the nine-time champion says that he’s positive that they can make the French rubber work for him.

“We tried to understand the tyre and I was always quite fast. I’m quite happy because in the afternoon my lap time was not so bad. We improved a lot the bike compared to the first day and the tyres, especially the front, give a better feedback. This is the most important.

“For me we need to continue to work because it looks like with the Michelin we are a bit more in trouble. We need to work more. Especially in the entry and the weight distribution, is for sure just the first step. But it is not so bad because we improved one-second from the first day, so we have just to continue to work.”

The Movistar Yamaha rider was also less negative than most about the new control electronics, saying that while they’re a huge shock to many of the grid, the new system is a case of back to the future for him.

“From Tuesday to Wednesday already the situation has improved a lot. It is still not at the same level for sure, but it looks like we can improve I think quite quickly. It is already a little bit better. So it will be important this winter to try to recover enough power, be relaxed and especially recover enough motivation for come back at the top.”