British MotoGP: Valentino Rossi admits 800s have made overtaking tougher

Valentino Rossi reckons the new generation 800cc machines have made overtaking in MotoGP a much tougher challenge than in previous years.  

Dramatically higher corner speeds generated by the 250 style 800s has thrown up another dimension of riding in the premier class, according to the seven-times MotoGP world champion.

The Fiat Yamaha rider, who goes into Sunday’s British GP trailing Australian rival Casey Stoner by 14-points, said: “With these bikes it’s a little harder to pass because they have such high corner speed.

“Let’s say that the places where you can pass have got smaller.”