Rossi on guard at turn one

Valentino Rossi admits he will be wary of potential first corners hazards in 2007 after his nightmare in the opening race in Jerez almost a year ago.

Rossi’s wretched run of luck in 2006, which ultimately contributed to his first defeat in the premier class for five years, started at the very first corner of the season when he was torpedoed off track by Toni Elias.

The factory Yamaha rider said: “Yes, I’ll try and be in front of Toni at the first race. Not just in front but with two or three in the middle!

“In Jerez Elias made a mistake and I crashed but when you start from the third or fourth row it is possible that happens. When you start from pole position it is better and easier.”

Rossi said the start of MotoGP races now was more important than ever, though he hopes to avoid a repeat of the Jerez disaster when the new season gets underway in Qatar on March 10.

He added: “For sure in the last years in the first corner all the riders arrive in the first corner more aggressive than in the past. Before in 20 or 30 laps if you don’t make a good start, if you have a good pace you can recover. Now all is very level and the lap times close. So if you lose two positions in the start it is a lot more difficult to recover and gain the places back. 

“But everybody has to put their hand on heart and say its better to brake two metres before than two metres later.”