Rossi: We won’t make the same mistake

Valentino Rossi arrives at the legendary Mugello circuit in Italy high on confidence, as he looks to build on his strong start to the 2016 MotoGP World Championship season.

The Italian arrives at Mugello currently sat in third in the MotoGP World Championship standings just twelve points behind his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, and seven behind Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez, after the Spaniard’s crash last time out.

The nine-times World Champion will be hoping to add an eighth premier class victory in 2016, after not claiming victory at Mugello since 2008.

Despite a slow start to the weekend, Rossi managed to salvage second place in Le Mans although his poor qualifying never gave him a shot at challenging Lorenzo for the victory. He promised that he and his team won’t make the same mistake this weekend in Italy.

“I think this year we can be competitive because our bike is good and I’m getting into a good shape,” said the 37-year-old. “At the Le Mans GP we arrived late at achieving the right set up for the race, at Mugello we will not make this mistake again.”

Despite feeling the love of the home fans, the Doctor did admit that Mugello is often a difficult race for him with so many friends and family at the Tuscan circuit, often distracting him from his racing.

“I love Mugello and its atmosphere. It’s very difficult for me to keep my concentration here because there are always so many of my friends and fans around, but the Mugello race is also special for me for that reason.

“I’ve had some victories here, many great battles and a lot of good memories. After Le Mans I’m relaxed and now I’m ready to try to attain the maximum level of concentration for the Mugello GP,” he said.

Photos via Movistar Yamaha