Rossi and Viñales Look for Positive Results from Catalunya Test

Despite an unfortunate crash during Sunday’s main race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, ENEOS-sponsored Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales from the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team both returned to the track for further testing of the Yamaha YZR-M1. The teammates finished in 14th and first place, respectively, on the timesheets.

During the test, Rossi and Viñales took the opportunity to evaluate new electronics and exhaust features, which are aimed at making acceleration smoother, and spent time riding on prototype Michelin tires.

Quick to get back on his bike after the Catalunya incident, Viñales focused on improvements in acceleration throughout most of the session, sneaking in a little time attack at the very end. With a total of 98 laps, the Spaniard set a best time of the day on his final try with a 1:38.967, the only rider to get under the 1:39-mark and finishing 0.047sec ahead of his closest rival.

Starting a little later than his teammate, Rossi made good strides during the test, focusing on fine-tuning his machine by comparing testing options. He rode most of his stints on harder tires to work on pace. After 71 laps, he finished his day in 14th place with a fastest lap of 1:39.968 – 1.001sec from the top.

Team Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP will use this testing data to prepare for the Assen TT race in two weeks.