MotoGP: Rested Rossi ready to get season back underway

Published: 03 August 2017 Updated: 03 August 2017

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A well-rested Valentino Rossi says he can’t wait to get the 2017 MotoGP season – and his aspirations for a tenth world title – back underway this weekend when action kicks off again at the Czech Grand Prix after a four-week summer break for the series.

Having made the most of the time away from racing to rest and recharge as he prepares to launch an attack for his tenth title in the second half of the year, beginning at a circuit he loves with Brno, the Italian says he couldn’t be in better shape.

“I’ve rested during these holidays. I’ve passed a lot of time with my friends, but I returned to training and preparing myself as soon as possible and I feel good. I trained at the gym and on the bike, but now I want to go back to my M1 and work together with my team. The championship is still wide open and we will have to work hard to be always on the podium. Brno’s is a track I really like, I have a lot of good memories of this circuit and I hope I can make it another nice race this weekend. It will be important to be quick from the first session!”

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His sentiments were echoed by teammate Maverick Viñales, who’s also out to take his own debut title as the battle between the teammates (along with championship leader Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso) heats up.

“I’ve enjoyed the summer break a lot. I spent it with friends and family, but now I can’t wait to be back aboard my Yamaha YZR-M1 again. We have to be focused on the second half of the season as it is going to be crucial if we want to fight for the championship title. There is no room for mistakes. I’ve been training during these weeks to be ready for Brno and Austria, two tracks that I really like and where I think that I can be strong.”

And with the championship battle so close, Movistar Yamaha team boss Massimo Meregalli says we’re set for an exciting weekend at the Czech race.

“It’s great to return from the holidays with recharged batteries and, having been able to rest, we can’t wait to get back out on track. Both the riders kept busy preparing themselves for the championship challenge during the summer break, so we arrive in the Czech Republic in good shape. This will be crucial in this closely contested season, especially with back-to-back races in the next two weeks.

“There are four riders within ten points at the top of the championship standings, so over the next nine races we have to keep focused and put in a 100% like we always do, starting this weekend. Brno is quite an iconic circuit, that’s loved by both the fans and the riders. The atmosphere there is really nice, so we are eager to get back into the rhythm with renewed energy.”

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By Simon Patterson

MotoGP and road racing reporter, photographer, videographer